Published on September 3, 2026 12:26 pm
Last Updated on September 3, 2026 12:26 pm
Unemployment rates for July were generally lower in the area and in the state.
The Illinois jobless rate was 4.6%, down from 4.7% a year ago. There were 15,700 more people with a job than in July 2025.
The Effingham County jobless rate was 2.9% in July, down from 3.6% a year earlier.
Total nonfarm payroll employment in the county was unchanged at 43,450 jobs from a year earlier. Employment gains were posted in Construction, Leisure/Hospitality, Government, and Professional/Business Services.
Area counties and their July jobless rates:
Clay County–3.8%, down from 5.3%
Fayette County–4%, down from 4.8%
Jasper County–2.8%, down from 3.8%
Coles County–3.3%, down from 4.5%
Cumberland County–2.7%, down from 3.6%
Shelby County–3.1%, down from 4.1%
