Prairie State Wire

Over the year ending October 2024, total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas and decreased in six, 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 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," said 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 in total nonfarm jobs, adding 2,000 positions. Champaign-Urbana MSA followed with a 1.7% rise, adding 2,100 jobs, while Carbondale-Marion MSA experienced a 1.3% increase with an additional 800 jobs. Conversely, Danville MSA faced a 1.8% decrease losing 500 jobs, and Peoria MSA saw a decline of 1.1%, shedding 1,900 jobs. The Chicago Metro Division had minimal change at -0.0%, losing 600 jobs.

Industries contributing to job growth included Government (twelve areas), Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas), Other Services (nine areas), and Mining and Construction (eight areas).

Rockford MSA recorded the largest unemployment rate decrease by 0.7 percentage points to reach 5.4%. Decatur MSA's rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 5.8%, while Kankakee MSA also dropped by 0.3 percentage points to match Rockford's rate at 5.4%. On the other hand, Chicago Metro's unemployment rate rose by 1.2 points reaching 5.5%. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA increased by 0.7 point reaching a similar rate of 5.4%, Danville MSA climbed by 0.4 point hitting a higher mark at 6.2%, as did Bloomington MSA rising by the same margin to settle at 4.3%. There was no change reported for Carbondale-Marion MSA or Elgin Metropolitan Division.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers essential employment services such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL; provides Labor Market Information; and manages the Unemployment Insurance Program.