Unemployment in Marion County and across South Central Illinois is down from September to August, but up from a year ago.
Marion County’s unemployment fell four-tenths of a percent from August to 5.5 percent. That’s 1.5 percent higher than last September. The September number translates into 935 on the unemployment rolls, down 69 from August. The county’s workforce dropped by 15 people to 16,983.
The lowest unemployment rate remains in Washington County at 2.8 percent, down a half-percent from August but still seven-tenths of a percent higher than a year ago. In Clinton County, unemployment dropped four-tenths of a percent to 3.6 percent. That’s 1.1 percent higher than a year ago. Jefferson County’s unemployment is at 5.8 percent, down a half-percent and 1.3 percent higher than a year ago. Fayette County’s unemployment is now at 4.8 percent, down six-tenths of a percent from August but up 1.4 percent since a year ago. Clay County’s unemployment dipped four-tenths of a percent to 5.9 percent and is 2.2 percent lower than a year ago.
Even with the higher rates than a year ago, the Illinois Department of Employment Security reports nonfarm employment increased by 875 jobs from September of last year. The biggest increases were in government and leisure and hospitality, both up 350 jobs. Professional and Business Services were up 150 jobs, and Construction was up 100 jobs. The only declines were in manufacturing, down 125 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, down 100 jobs.
