Over the past year, unemployment rates have decreased in nine metropolitan areas, increased in three, and remained unchanged in two for the period ending December 2024. This information was released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).
Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the current state of employment: “The Illinois labor force continues to see growth as payroll jobs remain steady and the market is ripe with employment opportunities across industry sectors.” He also emphasized that "IDES is focused on providing the critical job matching services to employers and businesses who are eager to take advantage of the state’s economy."
In terms of job growth, significant increases were observed in Champaign-Urbana MSA (+3.7%, +4,600), Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.9%, +1,100), and Springfield MSA (+1.7%, +1,800). Conversely, Peoria MSA (-1.2%, -2,000), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-0.9%, -1,700), and Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro (-0.8%, -3,600) experienced declines.
Unemployment rate reductions were notable in Rockford MSA (-1.0 percentage point to 4.9%), Kankakee MSA (-0.8 point to 5.0%), and Champaign MSA (-0.6 point to 3.3%). Increases occurred in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+0.6 point to 4.5%), Chicago Metro Division (+0.5 point to 4.3%), and Peoria MSA (+0.1 point to 4.8%). No changes were recorded for Bloomington and Danville MSAs.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) plays a crucial role by offering various employment services through platforms like Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, alongside analyzing labor market data and managing unemployment insurance programs.
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