Slowly but surely, the Wabash County unemployment rate is getting closer to its’ pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Wabash County’s jobless rate in July stood at 7.7%, down from 9.8% mark in June, but still above the 4.1% rate in July of last year.
In southeastern Illinois, slight employment gains were reported in trade, transportation and utilities, and natural resources and mining. Declines were reported in manufacturing, leisure/hospitality, and government.
Southern Illinois’ lowest jobless rates in July were in Edwards and Richland Counties while Pulaski County had the highest at 12.6%.