Unemployment dropped slightly in Marion County in April.
Figures released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security show the unemployment rate at 4.2 percent for April, down two-tenths of a percent from March and four-tenths of a percent from April a year ago. Those numbers translate into 695 on the unemployment roles in April, a drop of 25 from March. The labor force in Marion County also grew by 38 people to 16,499.
Washington County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 2.2 percent, a tenth of a percent lower than in March. Jefferson County had the biggest drop in unemployment, seven-tenths of a percent to 4.1 percent. Clay County’s rate drops a half-percent to 4.7 percent. Fayette and Clinton County saw no change in unemployment. Clinton County’s rate was at three percent each month and Fayette County’s at 4.7 percent.
Statewide, unemployment in April is at 3.7 percent.
Total nonfarm employment in the Centralia-Mt. Vernon labor market increased by 1,325 jobs from April a year ago. The biggest increases were in government, up 400 jobs, manufacturing, up 375 jobs, construction, up 250 jobs, professional and business services, up 175 jobs, educational and health services, up 125 jobs and leisure and hospitality up 100 jobs. Payrolls decreased in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry by 225 jobs.
