Unemployment in Marion County increased for the month of December. The State Department of Employment Security reports the county unemployment rate was at 11.3-percent, up a half-percent from 10.8-percent in November, and down from 11.2-percent a year ago.
Marion County has the highest unemployment rate in the region and one of the highest in the state. 2,050 people were unemployed in the county in December, up from 1,960 in November. 16,000 people were employed in the county in December, down from 16,125 people in November.
Labor Market Specialist Dennis Hoffman says the increase in unemployment is from mostly seasonal layoffs in retail and hospitality, as well as construction and some recreation areas. However he states there has been some permanent layoffs in the area as well. "Further south of Marion County, they've had some issues in terms of manufacturing and also some mining layoffs fifty-to-sixty miles away in the Saline County area. So in general there's been some layoffs, both temporary and permanent, both locally and within driving distance", said Hoffman.
Washington County had the lowest rate with 6.8-percent, down from 7.5-percent a year ago. Clinton County has seven-percent, down from 8.5-percent. Jefferson County had 8.6-percent, down from 9.1-percent. Wayne County had 8.7-percent, up from 8.5-percent a year ago. Fayette County had 10.2-percent, down from 10.7-percent a year ago. Clay County had 10.7-percent, down from 11.5-percent a year ago.
