Jobless Rates Down Again in September

The September unemployment rate in Effingham County was at an even three percent, down from 3.4% in September 2018.

The Effingham County rate was better than the state jobless rate for September, which was 3.6%, down from 3.9% one year earlier.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported non-farm employment increased by 1,100 compared to last year. Employment gains were posted in Government (up 700 jobs), Manufacturing (up 200 jobs), and Educational and Health Services (up 100 jobs from a year earlier). Slight increases were reported in Information, Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities, Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, and Other Services.

Slight decreases were reported in Construction, Financial Activities, and Natural Resources and Mining.

Area counties and their September jobless rates:

Coles--3.7%, down from 4.4% in September 2018

Cumberland--3%, down from 3.8%

Shelby--3.3%, down from 3.9%

Clay--4%, down from 4.9%

Fayette--3.9%, down from 4.6%

Jasper--3.9%, down from 4.7%