Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL market rose by 581 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 3.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Cape Girardeau, MO-IL unemployment rate is 209 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 180 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 6.5% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 25.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 5,900; +1,200
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.