Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending in April 2024, ten metropolitan areas experienced an increase in total nonfarm jobs, while four saw a decrease, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). 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."

Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.4%, +3,000) and Elgin Metro (+2.1%, +5,600) recorded the largest percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs over the year. Chicago Metro saw a modest rise of +0.2% or +7,600 jobs. Conversely, Springfield MSA (-2.8%, -3,100) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.1%, -2,100) had significant declines.

Industries contributing to job growth included Government (fourteen areas), Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas), Wholesale Trade (ten areas), along with Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Other Services (eight areas each).

The highest unemployment rate increases were observed in Chicago Metro (+0.9 point to 4.3%), Elgin Metro (+0.6 point to 5.2%), Bloomington MSA (+0.5 point to 3.8%), and Springfield MSA (+0.5 point to 4.1%). Rockford MSA was the only area where unemployment decreased (-0.4 point to 5.9%).

IDES continues providing essential employment services through various resources like Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, labor market information analysis, and administration of the Unemployment Insurance Program.