Prairie State Wire

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one for the year ending July 2023, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one.

“We’re encouraged to see continued and consecutive job growth across the state, giving Illinois workers the ability to take advantage of expanded labor market opportunities,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES continues to collaborate with its workforce partners, providing vital resources to bridge jobseekers with employers.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were Danville MSA (+2.6%, +700), Elgin Metro Division (+2.4%, +6,200), Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.1%, +2,400), and Springfield MSA (+2.1%, +2,300). Total nonfarm jobs in Chicago-Metro Division rose by +1.3% or +50,900. In contrast, Kankakee MSA saw a slight decrease (-0.5%, -200). Industries that experienced job growth across most metro areas included Leisure and Hospitality (twelve areas); Education and Health Services and Government (eleven areas each).

Metro areas with significant unemployment rate increases were Danville MSA (+1.7 points to 6.6%), Rockford MSA (+1.6 points to 6.8%), Decatur MSA (+1.4 points to 6.9%), and Kankakee MSA (+1.4 points to 6.1%). The only area experiencing a decrease was Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (-1.1 percentage points to 4.0%). Notably, Chicago Metro Division's unemployment rate tied with 2019 for a record low in July.