Prairie State Wire

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES) have reported changes in unemployment rates across metro areas for the year ending January 2025. Eleven metropolitan areas experienced a decrease in unemployment, while one saw an increase. Nonfarm jobs rose in six areas, declined 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 committed to investing in its workforce and fostering a positive business environment.

Significant job growth was noted in several regions: Elgin Metro Division (+2.2%, +6,200), Peoria MSA (+1.8%, +3,000), and Rockford MSA (+1.5%, +2,200). The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division also saw an increase of 19,000 jobs (+0.5%). Conversely, job declines were observed in the Illinois section of Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.1%, -1,000), Champaign-Urbana MSA (-1.0%, -1,200), and Decatur MSA (-0.6%, -300). Bloomington MSA's nonfarm job count remained unchanged.

Job growth industries included Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas), Government (nine areas), Mining and Construction, and Retail Trade (seven areas each).

Unemployment rate decreases were notable in Rockford MSA (-1.3 points to 5.8%), Kankakee MSA (-1.2 points to 6.3%), and Lake County Metro (-1.1 points to 5.5%). The Chicago Metro Division was the only area with an increased rate (+0.3 point to 5%).

The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers services such as Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, WorkShare IL, labor market information analysis, and administration of the Unemployment Insurance Program.