Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs have risen in eight metropolitan areas and fallen in six for the period ending October 2024, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). During this time, unemployment rates decreased in six areas, increased in six, and remained unchanged in two.

"Illinois continues to benefit from job growth and positive economic trends in every corner of the state," stated Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "As payroll expansion continues to motivate eager jobseekers, IDES and its local area workforce partners remain focused on providing the necessary services and tools to get workers matched with employers."

The Springfield MSA saw a 1.9% increase (+2,000 jobs), Champaign-Urbana MSA a 1.7% rise (+2,100 jobs), and Carbondale-Marion MSA a 1.3% growth (+800 jobs) in total nonfarm jobs over the year. Conversely, Danville MSA experienced a 1.8% decrease (-500 jobs) and Peoria MSA a 1.1% drop (-1,900 jobs). In Chicago Metro Division, total nonfarm jobs were nearly unchanged (0.0%, -600). Job growth was noted across several industries including Government (twelve areas), Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas), Other Services (nine areas), and Mining and Construction (eight areas).

Unemployment rate reductions were most significant in Rockford MSA (-0.7 percentage point to 5.4%), Decatur MSA (-0.3 percentage point to 5.8%), and Kankakee MSA (-0.3 percentage point to 5.4%). Meanwhile, unemployment rate increases were observed in Chicago Metro (+1.2 points to 5.5%), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+0.7 point to 5.4%), Danville MSA (+0.4 point to 6.2%), and Bloomington MSA (+0.4 point to 4.3%). No change was recorded for Carbondale-Marion MSA or Elgin Metropolitan Division.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides essential employment services through various resources such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, labor market information analysis, and administration of the Unemployment Insurance Program.