Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL market rose by 880 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 4.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Cape Girardeau, MO-IL unemployment rate is 235 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 6.3% and are up 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 February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 15.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 6,600; +900
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.