Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL market rose by 580 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 2.3%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Cape Girardeau, MO-IL unemployment rate is 159 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 70 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 9.5% 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 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 3.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 6,500; +200
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.