County Jobless Rate Up in August; Only County in Area w/Such a Trend

Effingham County typically has the lowest unemployment rate among area counties, but that wasn't the case in August.

In fact, Effingham County is the only area county that saw its jobless rate go up in August from one year earlier.

The Effingham County rate was 3.8%, up from 3.4% in August 2023.

As far as other area counties, here are the numbers:

Coles--5.1%, down from 5.5%

Cumberland--3.6%, down from 3.9%

Shelby--4.4%, down from 4.7%

Clay--5.5%, down from 5.9%

Fayette--4.8% down from 5.2%

Jasper--4.4%, down from 4.7%

Total nonfarm employment in Effingham County increased by 350  in August compared to a year earlier.

Employment gains were posted at worksites in Government; Leisure and Hospitality; Professional and Business Services; Trade Transportation and Utilities; and Financial Activities.

Year-over-year, payrolls were unchanged among employers in the Natural Resources and Mining; Information and Other Services sectors

Payroll job losses occurred in the Manufacturing, Construction and Private Education and Health Services sectors.

Statewide, there were 35,600 more jobs in August than one year earlier.