Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending in September 2024, total nonfarm jobs rose in nine metropolitan areas and fell in five, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate decreased in eight areas, increased in five, and remained unchanged in one.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on these developments: “An expanding labor market and job growth across the state continues to instill drive and motivation in workers and jobseekers searching for new employment opportunities.” He also emphasized the role of IDES as a crucial workforce resource that connects individuals with employers.

The Carbondale-Marion MSA saw a 1.9% increase (+1,100 jobs), followed by Champaign-Urbana MSA with a 1.0% increase (+1,300 jobs), and Springfield MSA also with a 1.0% rise (+1,100 jobs). Conversely, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA experienced a decline of 1.3% (-2,300 jobs), Danville MSA dropped by 1.1% (-300 jobs), and Peoria MSA decreased by 1.1% (-1,900 jobs). In Chicago Metropolitan Division, job numbers were nearly stable at -700 jobs or 0.0%. Job growth was noted primarily in Government sectors across twelve areas and Other Services sectors across eleven areas.

Rockford MSA recorded the largest decrease in unemployment rate by -0.9 percentage points to reach 5.4%, while Decatur MSA dropped by -0.3 percentage points to 5.9%. Kankakee MSA saw its rate decrease by -0.3 percentage points to stand at 5.5%, with Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro experiencing a similar drop to end at 4.2%. On the other hand, Chicago Metro faced an increase of +0.6 percentage points reaching an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Similarly affected were Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA which rose by +0.6 percentage points reaching a rate of 5.4%, and Danville MSA which increased by +0.4 percentage points to hit 6.3%. Carbondale-Marion's unemployment rate remained constant.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) plays an essential role in providing employment services through various resources like Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com along with analyzing labor market information.

For more detailed statistics on unemployment rates or total nonfarm jobs not seasonally adjusted for September 2024 visit IDES.Illinois.gov.