Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs increased in seven metropolitan areas while decreasing in another seven, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate rose in seven areas, fell in five, and remained unchanged in two.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar stated, "As job growth reaches across the state, we remain committed to investing in the necessary tools and resources for the state’s strong economic landscape." He emphasized that IDES continues to facilitate connections between jobseekers and employers.

The Champaign-Urbana MSA saw a 1.7% increase with 2,200 new jobs. Carbondale-Marion MSA experienced a 1.3% rise with 800 additional jobs. Rockford MSA grew by 1.2%, adding 1,800 jobs, while Springfield MSA also increased by 1.2%, gaining 1,300 jobs. Conversely, Danville MSA faced a decline of 1.5%, losing 400 jobs, and Peoria MSA dropped by 1.2%, shedding 2,100 jobs. The Chicago Metropolitan Division reported a decrease of 0.2%, equating to a loss of 6,700 jobs.

Industries contributing to job growth included Private Education and Health Services across fourteen areas; Other Services in twelve areas; and Government employment in eleven areas.

Unemployment rates showed significant increases in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+1.3 points to reach 5%), Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (+1 point reaching up to 5%), and Danville MSA (+0.6 point rising to 5.9%). The Rockford MSA recorded the largest unemployment rate decrease at -0.4 percentage points down to 5.2%. No change was observed in Carbondale-Marion MSA or Decatur MSA.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides essential services such as Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com for workers and employers throughout Illinois.