Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in two for the period ending July 2024. This information was released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). During this time, the unemployment rate rose across all fourteen metropolitan areas.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the job growth, stating: “Long-term, consistent job growth throughout the state continues to fuel and motivate eager jobseekers and employers to actively engage in the expanding economy.” He added that "Illinois proudly commits to continue its critical investments in our unique, diverse, and world class workforce and labor market."

The Champaign-Urbana MSA experienced a 4.5% increase in total nonfarm jobs, adding 5,300 positions. The Carbondale-Marion MSA saw a 2.3% rise with an additional 1,300 jobs, while Bloomington MSA had a 0.7% increase with 700 new jobs. In contrast, Chicago Metro Division's job numbers grew by only 0.1%, equating to an addition of 4,900 jobs.

Conversely, some areas experienced declines in nonfarm jobs over the year. The Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA faced a reduction of 1.7%, losing 3,100 jobs; Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro Division saw a decrease of 0.5%, losing 2,000 jobs; and Danville MSA had a slight drop of 0.4%, shedding 100 jobs. Both Decatur MSA and Peoria MSA reported no change in their job numbers.

Industries contributing to job growth included Private Education and Health Services as well as Government sectors across ten metro areas each; Wholesale Trade across nine areas; Mining and Construction along with Other Services across eight areas each.

Significant increases in unemployment rates were noted particularly in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (+2.0 points to reach 6.4%), Danville MSA (+1.6 points reaching up to 7.9%), and Bloomington MSA (+1.2 points climbing to 5.5%).

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) continues providing essential employment services through resources like Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL while analyzing labor market data and managing Unemployment Insurance Programs.