Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in January in all 21 southern Illinois counties, including Wabash. But, the increase here was smaller than that in other areas as Wabash County had the lowest jobless rate in southern Illinois.
According to the preliminary data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Wabash County’s jobless rate in January was 5.1%, compared to 4.7% in January of 2018. In December, the unemployment rate was 5%.
The IDES said non-farm employment decreased slightly over the year while slight employment gains were posted in leisure and hospitality, construction, financial activities, and manufacturing. Employment in educational and health services and transportation, warehousing, and utilities declined.
The highest southern Illinois unemployment rate was in Johnson County at 10.1%.