Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs have risen in nine metropolitan areas and decreased in five for the period ending September 2024, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Over this same period, unemployment rates decreased in eight areas, increased in five, and remained unchanged in one.

"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," stated Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES remains a critical workforce resource providing essential employment and reemployment services to match individuals with the right employers eager to take advantage of the growing economy."

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

Rockford MSA recorded the largest drop in unemployment rate by -0.9 percentage points to 5.4%, followed by Decatur MSA with a decrease of -0.3 percentage points to 5.9%, Kankakee MSA also reduced by -0.3 percentage points reaching 5.5%, while Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro lowered its rate by -0.3 percentage points to stand at 4.2%. However, Chicago Metro's unemployment rate increased by +0.6 percentage points reaching 5.2%, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA went up +0.6 percentage points hitting 5.4%, and Danville MSA rose +0.4 percentage points arriving at 6.3%. No change was reported for Carbondale-Marion MSA's unemployment rate.

IDES plays an important role providing employment services through resources such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL; it analyzes labor market information while managing the Unemployment Insurance Program.