Jobless Numbers Still Well Up from Year Ago, but Trending Better

Unemployment rates in area counties are still much higher than one year earlier, but are trending in the right direction.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported the Effingham County jobless rate for June was an even 10%, well up from 3.1% in June 2019. The rate does mark a second consecutive month of lower figures than the previous month.

Non-farm employment in June in the Effingham area decreased by 2,175 compared to last year.

Employment gains were posted in Construction (175), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (50), and Natural Resources and Mining (25).

Payroll decreases were reported in Manufacturing (725), Leisure and Hospitality (625), Educational and Health Services (475), Professional and Business Services (275), Other Services (150), Financial Activities (100), and Government (75), while Information remained unchanged.

June jobless rates in area counties:

Coles--11.5%

Cumberland--8.3%

Shelby--9.1%

Clay--12.1%

Fayette--10.4%

Jasper--8.2%