County Jobless Rate Up in August from Year Earlier; Better Than State Rate

The Effingham County unemployment rate might be higher than in the recent past, but the rate is still well below the state level.

Effingham County's 3.5% rate for August is up from 2.8% in August 2022, but that rate compares to a statewide rate of 5.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment in the Effingham area increased by 1,175 in August compared to a year ago.

Employment gains were posted in Government; Leisure and Hospitality; Construction; Educational and Health Services; Other Services; Financial Activities; Professional and Business Services; Trade, Transportation and Utilities; and Natural Resources and Mining.

Nonfarm payrolls declined in Manufacturing and in Information Services.

Area counties are their jobless rates for August:

Coles--5.9%, up from 4.6%

Cumberland--4.1%, up from 3.5%

Shelby--5.0%, up from 3.9%

Clay--6.3%, up from 4.8%

Fayette--5.4%, up from 4.0%

Jasper--4.8%, up from 3.5%

The statewide jobless rate of 5.3% in August is up from 4.8% one year earlier.