Jobless Rates Up in Area Counties in July

Unemployment rates in area counties in July were higher than one year earlier.

Effingham County's jobless rate of 3.4% for July was still low, but it was up from 2.8% in July 2022.

As far as area counties, here are the numbers:

Coles--5.6%, up from 4.6%

Cumberland--4%, up from 3.3%

Shelby--5%, up from 4%

Clay--6.1%, up from 5.3%

Fayette--5.3%, up from 4.1%

Jasper--4.7%, up from 3.6% in July 2022.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1,150 jobs in July compared to a year ago.

Employment gains were posted in Government; Leisure and Hospitality; Construction; Educational and Health Services; Professional and Business Services; Other Services; and Trade, Transportation and Utilties.

No changes were recorded in Natural Resources and Mining.

Nonfarm payrolls declined in Manufacturing and Information Services.

The state jobless rate improved in July to 4.5%, down from 4.7% a year earlier.