The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released its January unemployment figures, showing higher jobless rates across the region compared to one year ago.
In Wabash County, the unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January 2026, up from 3.5 percent in January 2025. Edwards County increased to 5.6 percent, up from 4.1. Lawrence County came in at 5.6 percent, compared to 4.4 a year ago, while Richland County matched Wabash at 4.1 percent, up from 3.5. Wayne County reported a 5.2 percent unemployment rate, up from 4.2 percent last year.
Wabash and Richland Counties are tied for the lowest unemployment rates in southern Illinois. The highest rate in the region was reported in Pulaski County at 7.2 percent. Statewide, Illinois posted a 5.4 percent unemployment rate in January.
Meanwhile, the Olney–Mount Carmel area saw total nonfarm payrolls decrease by 725 jobs compared to January of 2025, with no sector posting job gains over the year.
The largest job losses were reported in manufacturing, down 200 positions. Private education and health services, as well as trade, transportation, and utilities, each declined by 150 jobs. Government employment dropped by 125 jobs, while smaller losses were seen in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and other services.
Construction, financial activities, information, and natural resources and mining remained unchanged over the year.