(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the December unemployment rates. Gradually improving labor market conditions prevailed throughout South Central Illinois during 2016. Unemployment declined in 17 out of 18 counties compared to one year ago. 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 Professional-Business Services and Retail Trade. Seasonal layoffs were reported in Construction and Manufacturing at the end of 2016. Mining, Information, and State and Local Government employment steadily declined during the past twelve months. Many employment opportunities were available in Transportation, Health Care, Sales, and Office and Administrative Support at the end of 2016. Job openings were advertised in Management, Food Preparation, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Engineering, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair.  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, December unemployment was at 6.4 percent, up .7% from November, but down from .7 percent in December 2015. Marion County was at 6.1 percent, up from 5.5 percent in November, and from 7.4 percent a year ago. Hamilton County was at 5.3 percent, up from 5% a month ago, and down from a 6 percent showing for December 2015. Clinton County was at 4.4 percent, up .6% from last month, and down .4% percent from last year. Washington County was at 3.8 percent for the month, up .4% from last month, but down .3% from last year. Wayne County’s unemployment rate is at 8 percent, up .7% from last month, and up .2% from last year at this time, one of six counties to increase over last year’s numbers for the month.