The Wabash County jobless rate continues to improve according to the latest data from the state’s department of employment security. Last month, the local unemployment stood at 4.2%, good for the lowest rate in southern Illinois. The July rate was down from the 4.9% mark in June and the 9.6% figure in July of last year.

According to IDES, employment gains were posted in government, leisure and hospitality, and information in the Mt. Carmel-Olney area of southeastern Illinois.

Employment declined in manufacturing, educational and health services, construction, natural resource and mining, and professional and business services.

While Wabash County had the lowest unemployment rate last month, the highest was recorded in Pulaski County at 9.5%.