Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending March 2024, total nonfarm jobs saw varied changes across metropolitan areas, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Nine metropolitan areas experienced job increases, four saw decreases, and one remained unchanged. The unemployment rate rose in eleven areas, decreased in two, and stayed constant in one.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar stated, "Job growth continues to reach areas in every corner of the state throughout industries, creating new and expanded job opportunities for Illinois workers." He added that IDES and its partners are committed to helping jobseekers and employers find suitable employment matches.

The Champaign-Urbana MSA had the largest percentage increase in nonfarm jobs at 2.2%, adding 2,700 positions. The Elgin Metro followed with a 1.6% increase (+4,100 jobs), while Kankakee MSA grew by 1.2% (+500 jobs). Conversely, Springfield MSA experienced a significant decrease of 4.0% (-4,400 jobs), Decatur MSA fell by 3.9% (-1,900 jobs), and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA dropped by 1.4% (-2,500 jobs). In Chicago Metro, there was a slight decline of 0.1% (-4,400 jobs), while Carbondale-Marion MSA saw no change.

Industries showing growth across most metro areas included Government (thirteen areas), Private Education and Health Services (ten areas), Mining and Construction along with Other Services (nine areas each), and Wholesale Trade (eight areas).

Regarding unemployment rates, Chicago Metro saw an increase of 0.8 points to reach 4.7%. Bloomington MSA's rate rose by 0.6 points to 4.2%, while the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA also increased by 0.6 points to hit 4.4%. On the other hand, Rockford MSA's unemployment rate decreased by 0.5 points to stand at 6.7%, with Decatur MSA seeing a reduction of 0.2 points to reach 6.2%. Danville MSA's rate remained stable at 5.7%.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers various services including Job Fairs and resources like IllinoisJobLink.com and WorkShare IL to support workers and employers statewide.