Total nonfarm jobs decreased in nine Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in three for the year ending April 2026, with Champaign recording its fifteenth consecutive month of year-over-year job growth, according to data released on May 29 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Deputy Governor Andy Manar said, “While Champaign-Urbana’s continued job growth and gains in other metros of the state reflect Illinois’ resilient economy, rising unemployment across Illinois’ metro areas reflects the growing uncertainty coming out of Washington felt by employers and workers. The state remains focused on supporting employers, workers, and businesses by creating workforce opportunities in every corner of the state.”
The largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were reported in Bloomington (down 1.9 percent or 1,800 jobs), Rockford (down 1.7 percent or 2,400 jobs), and Springfield (down 1.6 percent or 1,700 jobs). Lake County saw a gain of 0.4 percent (up by 1,300 jobs), while both Champaign-Urbana and Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg recorded increases of 0.1 percent—100 new jobs for Champaign-Urbana and an increase of 4,800 for Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg.
Industries that experienced job growth across most metro areas included government (11 out of 12 areas), private education and health services (10 areas), as well as mining and construction (seven areas).
Unemployment rates rose over the year in all twelve metropolitan regions; Champaign-Urbana saw the largest increase at +0.7 percentage points to reach a rate of 3.8 percent. Bloomington followed with a +0.6 point rise to reach a rate of 3.7 percent; Peoria also increased by +0.6 points to hit a rate of 4.6 percent; likewise, St. Louis’ Illinois portion rose by +0.6 points to stand at a rate of 3.8 percent; Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg’s unemployment rate climbed by +0.4 points to reach five percent.
According to the department’s summary data for counties statewide, ninety-seven counties saw an increase in their unemployment rates compared with last year; two counties experienced decreases; three remained unchanged.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides employment services such as job fairs, online resources like IllinoisJobLink.com, labor market analysis tools, WorkShare IL programs for shared work arrangements among employers facing economic challenges, as well as administration support for unemployment insurance.
