Unemployment Rates Down in August from Year Earlier

Effingham County's jobless rate stood at 6.4% in August, down from 7.3% one year earlier.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported that unemployment declined in all 18 counties in South Central Illinois compared with one year ago.

The start of the school year increased employment activity throughout the region. Payroll gains occurred in retail trade, wholesale trade, and transportation. In addition, employment remained at elevated levels in construction and leisure/hospitality. Employment advances were reported in health care services and financial activities this summer. Some area manufacturers have added production workers in 2014. Employment opportunities in the summer of 2014 were available in food services, transportation, sales and healthcare. Job openings were also reported in office and administrative support, and production occupations. Advertisements for employment included jobs in business and finance, construction, computer services, and hospitality.

Here are the county jobless numbers for August: 

Coles--7.3%, down from 9%

Cumberland--7.7, down from 9.4%

Shelby--7.3%, down from 9%

Clay--9.1%, down from 10.4%

Fayette--8.6%, down from 10.3%

Jasper--7.3%, down from 8.4%