Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending January 2024, total nonfarm jobs saw an increase in eight metropolitan areas, a decrease in five, and remained unchanged in one, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Meanwhile, all fourteen metropolitan areas experienced an increase in unemployment rates.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the job growth: "As payrolls continue to grow across industries throughout the state, jobseekers are encouraged to take advantage of new and expanded employment opportunities." He emphasized that "IDES and its workforce partners are uniquely positioned to assist with employment searches and to match workers with employers to ensure they find the best fit for their needs."

The Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) led with a 3.8% increase (+3,600 jobs), followed by Champaign-Urbana MSA at 2.1% (+2,500 jobs), and Carbondale-Marion MSA at 1.4% (+800 jobs). Conversely, Springfield MSA faced a 2.7% decline (-2,900 jobs), Decatur MSA decreased by 2.5% (-1,200 jobs), and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA saw a drop of 1.4% (-2,500 jobs). The Chicago Metro Division recorded a slight decline of 0.3%, losing approximately 11,000 jobs.

Education and Health Services along with Government sectors showed job growth in twelve metro areas each; Financial Activities grew in eight areas.

Unemployment rate increases were notable in Decatur MSA (+1.1 points to 6.8%), Kankakee MSA (+1.1 points to 7.5%), and Rockford MSA (+1.1 points to 7.3%). The Chicago Metro Division's unemployment rate rose slightly by +0.1 point reaching 4.5%.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides various services including Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com for job seekers while offering Labor Market Information analysis and managing the Unemployment Insurance Program.