Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending April 2024, total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas and decreased in four, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). During the same period, the unemployment rate rose in thirteen metropolitan areas and fell in one.

"Continued job growth across metro areas and industry sectors position both jobseekers and employers to tap into newly created and expanded opportunities to begin or further career growth," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES is proud to collaborate with its workforce partners to provide critical employment and reemployment services, including matching workers with hiring employers across the state."

The Champaign-Urbana MSA experienced the largest over-the-year percentage increase in total nonfarm jobs at +2.4% (+3,000 jobs), followed by the Elgin Metro at +2.1% (+5,600 jobs). In contrast, the Springfield MSA saw a decrease of -2.8% (-3,100 jobs), while the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA reported a decline of -1.1% (-2,100 jobs).

Industries that witnessed job growth in most metro areas included Government (fourteen areas); Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas); Wholesale Trade (ten areas); Manufacturing; Leisure and Hospitality; and Other Services (eight areas each).

The Chicago Metro had an unemployment rate increase of +0.9 points to 4.3%, followed by Elgin Metro at +0.6 points to 5.2%, Bloomington MSA at +0.5 points to 3.8%, and Springfield MSA at +0.5 points to 4.1%. The Rockford MSA was the only area where the unemployment rate decreased, dropping by -0.4 points to 5.9%.

For detailed statistics on unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for April 2024, refer to the PDF provided by IDES.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers essential employment services through resources such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, labor market information analysis, and administration of the Unemployment Insurance Program. More information about IDES's services can be found at IDES.Illinois.gov.