(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — Unemployment declined in 13 of 18 counties in South Central Illinois when compared with one year ago. Workforce conditions continued to gradually improve during the year. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Over the year, employment advances were reported in Retail Trade and Transportation in South Central Illinois. Employment in Health Care Services continued to expand. Payroll gains occurred in Manufacturing and Professional-Business Services. Agriculture remained active for the fall harvest. Construction activity, especially road and commercial projects, remained at significant levels throughout the fall. Government and Mining employment declined during the past year. Numerous employment opportunities in the fall of 2015 were advertised in Health Care and Transportation. Job openings also were reported in Office and Administrative Support, Sales, Management, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Computer Services, Engineering, Construction, Food Services, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. In Jefferson County, the October unemployment rate was at 6.6% down from 6.7% a year ago, but up .4% from September 2015. Marion County was at 6.9% up from 6.3% in September 2015 and 6.8% in October 2014. Other counties showings for October were Clinton County at 4.2%, which is up .3% from September, Hamilton County at 4.9%, Wayne County at 6.4%, and Washington County up to 3.8% from 3.5% last month.