Wabash County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in southern Illinois. The latest figures from the state’s department of employment security show Wabash County tied with Richland County for having the lowest jobless figure at 4.7% in August. Even though Wabash County has the lowest rate in the region, the jobless figure did tick up half a point from the 4.2% level recorded in July. Last August, unemployment locally stood at 6.5%.
In the Mt. Carmel-Olney area, employment gains were posted in Government, Leisure and Hospitality, and Educational and Health Services. Employment declined in Manufacturing, Construction, Natural Resources and Mining, and Professional and Business Services. No employment changes were reported in Financial Activities, Other Services, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Information.
While Wabash and Richland counties are tied for the lowest unemployment in southern Illinois, the highest mark continues to be in Pulaski County at 9.6%.