Effingham County Unemployment Rate Lower in January Than Year Ago

The Effingham County unemployment rate for January was substantially lower than one year earlier.

The county jobless rate of 8.2% compared to a 9.1% rate in January 2013.

Unemployment declined in all counties in south central Illinois when compared to one year ago.  Over the year, payroll advances occurred in transportation, wholesale trade and health care services. Bitter cold and snow this January caused an outsized decrease in construction employment and also impaired employment in other industries such as retail trade and leisure/hospitality.  Government payrolls remained on a steady downward trend.  

Employment opportunities were available at the beginning of 2014 in sales, transportation and food services.  Health care and medical support occupations continued to have job openings.  Demand continued for workers in management, computer operations, engineering, production occupations, office support staff, social services and installation, maintenance and repair occupations.

Area counties and their January jobless rates:

Coles County--8.6%, down from 9.5% in January 2013

Cumberland County--10.6%, down from 12.4%

Shelby County--10.2%, down from 11.3%

Clay County--11.8%, down from 12.8%

Fayette County--12.1%, down from 12.8%

Jasper County--9.6%, down from 10.6%