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The county's total work force represents over half of its total population.
Out of all of its neighbors, Franklin County continues to hold the second highest unemployment, trailing only Washington County, which saw a half percent decline in its unemployment in July from the previous month as well from 14.7 percent to 14.2 percent.
Other neighboring counties' unemployment rates in July and June are:
Warren County, 11.4 percent, up from 10.7 percent;
Crawford County, 10.4 percent, down from 10.8 percent;
St. Charles County, 8.8 percent, up from 8.7 percent;
St. Louis County, 9.6 percent, down from 9.7 percent; and
Jefferson County, 10.3 percent, down from 10.7 percent.
The state's average stayed the same in July as it was in June at 9.3 percent. That figure is a tenth of a percent lower than the national figure.
All of the unemployment figures across the country don't even consider another group of individuals in the work force, those who are underemployed.
Underemployed workers, also referred to as involuntary part-time workers, are those who would like more hours but can only find part-time work.
The term also can refer to those who are highly overqualified for their position.
That figure accounts for roughly an additional 9 million Americans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Local entities, including East Central College, are doing what they can to help.
ECC was recently approved for funding through the Missouri Department of Workforce Development for two accelerated training programs.
Brenda Bouse, vice president of Career and Outreach Education at ECC, noted that both programs, one for industrial maintenance and one for energy management and auditing, will be designed as accelerated certificates.
Completion of the programs should take about 16 weeks, or one semester.
ECC will receive up to $84,000 from the state to cover the cost to operate both programs and provide tuition assistance to dislocated workers.
The programs will begin late this fall or in early 2010 with classes open to any interested individuals, according to the college.
