Unemployment levels dropped from August to September in the Effingham region of southeastern Illinois including Lawrence County. That is according to monthly figures released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Total nonfarm employment increased by 1000 jobs in September 2023 as compared to a year ago. Employment gains were posted in many job areas ranging from construction to natural resources and mining. No industries showed a net decrease in jobs. Unemployment here in Lawrence County was at 6.7% in August and fell to 6.1% in September. Neighboring Richland, Wabash and Crawford counties also saw drops from August to September. Edwards County saw it’s unemployment rate remain stationary at 5.9% from month to month.