Unemployment was down across South Central Illinois in February.
In Marion County the rate fell seven-tenths of a percent from January to 4.5-percent. That translated into 725 on the unemployment rolls, down 123 from the prior month. The rate was down seven-tenths of a percent from last February.
Both Clinton and Washington Counties had unemployment of 3 and a half percent. Clinton County’s fell three tens of a percent and Washington County’s by seven-tenths of a percent.
Jefferson County’s rate is now at 4.5 percent, Clay County’s is 5.1 percent, and Fayette County’s rate is 5.4 percent.
Total non-farm income decreased by 525 jobs in February compared to February a year ago. The biggest games were in private education-health with 350 more jobs. Government jobs were up 125 and Profession-Services jobs up 25 jobs.
There were job declines in Trade-Transportation-Utilities down 300 jobs, Manufacturing down 275 jobs, and Leisure Hospitality down 150 jobs.
Statewide unemployment is 5.1 percent, down one tenth of a percent lower than a year ago.
