Unemployment rates dropped over the year in all of Illinois’ metro areas last month according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Knox and surrounding counties were no exception.
Knox County’s not seasonally adjusted rate fell 1.2 points from March to April to 4 percent.
The Illinois unemployment rate dropped to an unseasonably adjusted 3.6 percent from 4.5 percent in 2017, however when seasonally adjusted the state has a rate of 4.4 percent, ranking Illinois 37th in the nation.
While complete data on labor force numbers was not available IDES says that non farm payroll jobs in Galesburg dropped by 275 jobs over the course of the year.
IDES reports that Galesburg added 50 jobs each in the sectors of educational and health services, leisure and hospitality and manufacturing.
Government had the biggest decline in the last year losing 175 jobs.
Warren county continued their competitive unemployment rate with 3.1 percent, below the state average and the 15th best in Illinois.
