(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the September unemployment rates. Stable labor market conditions prevailed throughout South Central Illinois during the past year. Unemployment rates are typically at the low point of the year in the fall. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Transportation and Health Services in South Central Illinois. Payroll advances also occurred in Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, and Hospitality. Manufacturing, Mining and both Local and State Government employment steadily declined during the past year. Employment opportunities were advertised in Transportation, Health Care, Sales, and Office and Administrative Support in the fall of 2016. Job openings were reported in Management, Food Preparation, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Engineering, Finance, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Building and Ground Maintenance workers continued to be in demand. 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, September unemployment was at 6.5 percent, steady from August, but down from 6.8 percent in September 2015. Marion County was at 6.4percent, up from 6.2 percent in August, but down from 6.6 percent from a year ago. Hamilton County was at 5.9 percent, which was down from 6.1 percent last month, but up from a 5.1 percent showing for September 2015. Clinton County was at 4.3 percent, up .2% from last month, and up .1% percent from last year. Washington County was at 3.8 percent for the month, steady from August and up .2% from last year. Wayne County’s unemployment rate is at 8.5 percent, up .1% from last month and up from 6.4% last year at this time.