Metro East Sun

40.7 percent of Alton residents between 16 and 65 years old were unemployed in 2017, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The percentage of unemployed residents was greater than the statewide total of 34.7 percent for this demographic group. In 2017 the total Alton population reached 21,438.

Out of 12,719 people who had a job, 13 were employed in the Armed Forces and 12,706 belonged to the civilian labor force.

The total unemployment numbers include residents of all ages who are not working.

Employment status	Number of people	Percentage of population
Not employed	8,719	40.7
Employed	12,719	59.3
Employed in civilian labor force	12,706	59.3
Employed in armed forces	13	0.06