Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL market declined by 34 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 2.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Cape Girardeau, MO-IL unemployment rate is 216 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 160 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 6.8% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 11.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 6,600; +700
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.