The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Apr. 23 that nonfarm jobs decreased in eight metropolitan areas and increased in four over the year ending February, while unemployment rates rose across all twelve metro areas during the same period.
This trend highlights ongoing uncertainty for Illinois’ labor market, with state officials attributing challenges to changing federal policies. Deputy Governor Andy Manar said, “February’s numbers show job growth in a few parts of Illinois, but rising unemployment across metro areas underscores the uncertainty coming from the federal government. Washington’s shifting policies are making it harder for states to maintain momentum. Illinois will continue focusing on growth, supporting employers, and investing in our workforce.”
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and IDES, Springfield saw the largest percentage decrease in total nonfarm jobs at -2.4% (a loss of 2,600 jobs), followed by Rockford at -1.7% (-2,500) and Bloomington at -1.4% (-1,300). Peoria experienced a 1% increase (+1,600), Champaign-Urbana rose by 0.9% (+1,100), and Lake County Metro Division increased by 0.4% (+1,300). Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg lost 6,500 jobs (-0.2%). Sectors showing widespread job gains included Mining and Construction (ten regions), Private Education and Health Services (nine regions), and Government (nine regions).
Unemployment rate increases were most pronounced in Kankakee (+1.1 points to 7%), with Decatur (+1 point to 6.8%), Rockford (+1 point to 6.7%), and Springfield (+1 point to 5.4%) also seeing notable rises; Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg’s rate grew by +0.3 points to reach 5.4%. Over-the-year unemployment rates went up in one hundred counties while decreasing only in two.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security operates as a state agency focused on workforce development and economic services according to its official website. The department promotes economic stability by assisting unemployed individuals and providing data for policy decisions according to its official website. Its mission includes fostering economic growth through employment services such as job fairs and online tools like IllinoisJobLink.com according to its official website.
IDES extends services throughout Illinois via community partnerships aimed at enhancing workforce participation according to its official website. Offerings include unemployment insurance programs alongside labor market analysis designed both for workers seeking employment opportunities as well as employers looking for talent according to its official website.
Looking ahead, IDES continues efforts supporting workers statewide amid fluctuating conditions while providing resources intended for economic stability.
