Jobless Rates Coming Back Down

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Published on September 25 2020 9:12 am
Last Updated on September 25 2020 9:12 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham County's August unemployment rate was down to 6.8%, well above the rate one year ago, but greatly improved from the prime days of the pandemic.

The August 2019 rate was 3.1%. The county rate in July was 7.5%.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports nonfarm employment in the Effingham area in August decreased by 2,125 compared to last year.

Employment gains were posted in Construction (+50) and Natural Resources and Mining (+25). 

Payrolls declined in Manufacturing (-725), Leisure and Hospitality (-400), Educational and Health Services (-375), Professional and Business Services (-200), Government (-275), Other Services (-150), Financial Activities (-50), and Trade Transportation and Utilities (-50). 

Information employment remained unchanged.

Area counties and their August jobless rates:

Coles--8.7%, up from 4.1% one year earlier

Cumberland--5.7%, up from 3.1%

Shelby--6.7%, up from 3.7%

Clay--8.2%, up from 4.6%

Fayette--8.0%, up from 4.1%

Jasper--5.6%, up from 3.9%.