Prairie State Wire

Over the past year, unemployment rates have decreased in eleven metropolitan areas and increased in one, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The report highlights that total nonfarm jobs rose in six metropolitan areas, fell in five, and remained unchanged in one.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the findings: “As unemployment decreased over the last year in most metro areas and payroll remains steady, Illinois continues to prioritize region-specific support for jobseekers through local workforce partners.” He added that Illinois is focused on investing in its workforce and creating a favorable business environment to enhance economic opportunities statewide.

The Elgin Metro Division experienced the largest percentage increase in total nonfarm jobs at 2.2%, equating to 6,200 jobs. This was followed by Peoria MSA with a 1.8% increase (3,000 jobs) and Rockford MSA with a 1.5% rise (2,200 jobs). In contrast, the Illinois section of Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA saw a decrease of 1.1% (-1,000 jobs), Champaign-Urbana MSA fell by 1.0% (-1,200 jobs), and Decatur MSA declined by 0.6% (-300 jobs). The Bloomington MSA reported no change.

Job growth was observed across several industries including Private Education and Health Services (in eleven areas), Government (nine areas), as well as Mining and Construction and Retail Trade (seven areas each).

Regarding unemployment rates, Rockford MSA saw the largest decrease at -1.3 points to reach 5.8%. Kankakee MSA followed with a -1.2 point drop to 6.3%, while Lake County Metro recorded a -1.1 point reduction to 5.5%. The Chicago Metro Division was an exception with an increase of +0.3 point reaching a rate of 5%.

For further details on employment statistics or services provided by IDES such as Job Fairs or Unemployment Insurance Program information, visit their website at IDES.Illinois.gov.