Unemployment held steady in the Quad Cities last month at 3.9 per cent, the same rate as in July a year ago.
Tom Austin, from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, says an increase in the number of people working was offset by a small increase in those considered unemployed.
"We did see growth when we look at non-farm payrolls in several industries, including construction, leisure and hospitality, as well as manufacturing and transportation. There were some declines in industries such as retail trade and education and health services when we look over the year."
The unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent in July means about 7,700 people were out of work and looking for jobs - an increase of about 200 from the same month a year ago, and 300 higher than in June.