County Jobless Rate Down to 3% in June

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported non-farm employment in the county increased by 400 jobs compared to last year.

Employment gains were posted in government (up 200), educational and health services (up 200, and manufacturing (up 100). Slight increases were reported in information, transportation, warehousing, and utilities, other services, and leisure and hospitality.

Employment in construction declined (by 100). Slight decreases were reported in wholesale trade, professional and business services, financial activities, retail trade, and natural resources and mining.

The 3% rate for June is down from 3.7% in June 2018.

Here are the June rates for area counties:

Coles--4.4%, down from 5.7% one year ago

Cumberland--3.1%, down from 3.8%

Shelby--3.5%, down from 4.5%

Clay--4.3%, down from 5.4%

Fayette--3.8%, down from 5.1%

Jasper--3.9%, down from 5.2%