Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending June 2024, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, decreased in six, and remained unchanged or nearly unchanged in three, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Over the same period, the unemployment rate increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas.

"The Illinois labor market continues to see sufficient payroll jobs expansion across various industries around the state, positioning jobseekers and employers with further opportunities for career growth," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Illinois is proud of its world-class labor force and remains committed to investing in the growth of its strength and diversity."

The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.5%, +1,700), Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.4%, +800), and Bloomington MSA (+0.9%, +900). The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage decreases were Decatur MSA (-1.4%, -700), Springfield MSA (-1.4%, -1,500), and Rockford MSA (-1.3%, -1,900). Danville MSA and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA saw no change in total nonfarm jobs, while Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division experienced almost no change.

Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included Government (nine areas) and Private Education and Health Services (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were Chicago Metro Division (+1.7 points to 6.4%), Danville MSA (+1.6 points to 7.5%), followed by Bloomington MSA (+1.1 points to 5.3%) and Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.1 points to 5.8%).

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides employment services to workers, jobseekers, and employers through resources such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL; analyzes labor market information; and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program.

For more details on IDES services or recent updates from the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.