Job Growth Seen in Area, but Jobless Rates Still Up

Job growth was seen in November in all 14 of Illinois' metro areas, as well as in counties in our area.

Despite the increase in jobs, enough people moved back into the labor force that most area counties saw an increase in their unemployment rates. Effingham County's November jobless rate was 2.9%, slightly up from 2.8% one year earlier.

Tottal nonfarm employment in the Effingham area in November increased by 300 jobs compared to last year. Employment gains were seen in Government, Educational and Health Services, Construction, Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Natural Resources and Mining.

Employment declined in Manufacturing, Trade, Transportation and Utilities; and Financial Activities. No employment change was reported in Information or in Other Services.

Area counties and their jobless rates for November include: Coles--4.1%, up from 3.7%...Cumberland--3%, slightly down from 3.1% a year earlier...Shelby--3.7%, up from 3.2% in November 2021...Clay--4.6%, up from 4.1% a year earlier...Fayette--4.1%, up from 3.7% a year ago...and Jasper--3.4%, up from 3% in November 2021.