Prairie State Wire

Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in one for the year ending August 2024. This information was 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 decreased in nine areas, increased in four, and was unchanged in one.

"Stable, consistent job growth across the state continues to position jobseekers and employers to leverage new and developing opportunities," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES and its essential workforce partners are working throughout the state to offer critical employment services to enthusiastic jobseekers."

The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were Champaign-Urbana MSA (+4.7%, +5,400), Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.6%, +900), Bloomington MSA (+0.7%, +700), and Illinois section of St. Louis MSA (+0.7%, +1,600). The metro areas with the largest over-the-year decreases were Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.4%, -2,600), Elgin Metro Division (-0.9%, -2,300), and Peoria MSA (-0.6%, -1,100). Total nonfarm jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division were almost unchanged (0.0%, -1,200). Decatur MSA had no change in total nonfarm jobs.

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were Rockford MSA (-1.0 percentage point to 6.0%) and Decatur MSA (-0.5 percentage point to 6.3%). The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were Chicago Metro Division (+0.7 point to 5.7%), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+0.5 point to 4.9%), and Bloomington MSA (+0.2 point to 4.8%). There was no change in unemployment rate for Carbondale-Marion MSA.

For detailed statistics on Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) and Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) for August 2024, refer to the provided PDF documents.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL; analyzes labor market information; and administers Unemployment Insurance Program.