Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs have seen varied changes across metropolitan areas in Illinois. According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), five metropolitan areas experienced job growth, six saw a decrease, and three remained unchanged or nearly unchanged for the year ending June 2024. Notably, all fourteen metropolitan areas reported an increase in unemployment rates.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the labor market's performance: "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." He emphasized Illinois' commitment to its labor force, stating, "Illinois is proud of its world-class labor force and remains committed to investing in the growth of its strength and diversity."

Among the metro areas, Champaign-Urbana MSA saw a 1.5% increase in nonfarm jobs (+1,700), Carbondale-Marion MSA increased by 1.4% (+800), and Bloomington MSA grew by 0.9% (+900). Conversely, Decatur MSA experienced a decline of 1.4% (-700), Springfield MSA decreased by 1.4% (-1,500), and Rockford MSA fell by 1.3% (-1,900). Danville MSA and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA showed no change in nonfarm jobs, while Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division had almost no change.

Industries such as Government and Private Education and Health Services saw job growth in nine and eight metro areas respectively.

Unemployment rate increases were most significant in 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 IDES offers essential employment services through resources like Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, Labor Market Information analysis, and administration of the Unemployment Insurance Program.