Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending in September 2023, total nonfarm jobs rose in eleven metropolitan areas and fell in three, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. During this period, unemployment rates increased across all fourteen metropolitan areas.

"The consistently expanding labor market and employment opportunities throughout the state continue to instill confidence and motivation into workers and jobseekers looking for their next employment opportunities," stated Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES and its workforce partners continue to provide critical employment and reemployment services to match individuals with the right employers to take advantage of the expanding labor market."

Danville MSA saw a 3.7% increase, adding 1,000 jobs; Elgin Metro Division grew by 2.5%, adding 6,500 jobs; Bloomington MSA experienced a 1.6% rise with an addition of 1,600 jobs. In contrast, Chicago Metropolitan Division had a modest growth of 1.4%, equating to an increase of 51,200 jobs. Declines were noted in Kankakee MSA (-0.7%, -300), Rockford MSA (-0.7%, -1,000), and Decatur MSA (-0.6%, -300). Job growth was prominent in industries such as Education and Health Services (thirteen areas); Leisure and Hospitality and Government (twelve areas each); along with Other Services (nine areas).

The most significant increases in unemployment rates occurred in Rockford MSA (+2.1 points to 6.9%), Danville MSA (+1.9 points to 6.3%), and Decatur MSA (+1.9 points to 6.7%). The unemployment rate for Chicago Metro Division edged up by +0.1 point reaching 4.7%.