Unemployment Rate Drops in Area Counties During July

Unemployment declined in all 18 counties in South Central Illinois in July compared with one year ago.

The Effingham County jobless rate in July was 6.1%, down from 7.6% in July 2013.

Payroll gains occurred in wholesale trade, professional and business services and financial activities. Employment advances also were reported in health care services, food services and accommodations throughout the area. Some area manufacturers have added production workers in 2014. Employment opportunities in the summer were considerable in food services, transportation, sales and healthcare. Numerous job openings were also reported in office and administrative support, recreation and production occupations. Advertisements for employment included jobs in business and finance, construction, computer services, and hospitality.

Here are area counties and their jobless rates for July:

Coles--7.6%, down from 9.8%

Cumberland--7.4%, down from 9.4%

Shelby--7.2%, down from 9.5%

Clay--9.2%, down from 11%

Fayette--8.6%, down from 10.5%

Jasper--7.2%, down from 8.6%