Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in January in all of Illinois's metropolitan areas for the eighth consecutive month, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eleven of the metropolitan areas.

"It is encouraging that more people are finding jobs," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "In fact, job growth has become more widespread across the state with 11 of 14 metro areas reporting increases."

Illinois businesses added jobs in eleven metro areas, with the largest increases in: Rockford (+4.1 percent, +5,800), Kankakee (+1.8 percent, +800), Elgin (+1.6 percent, +3,900), and the Quad Cities (+1.6 percent, +2,800). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.4 percent or +16,100). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Springfield (-2.3 percent, -2,600), Danville (-1.4 percent, -400), and Carbondale-Marion (-1.1 percent, -600).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (10 of 14), Professional and Business Services, (10 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (9 of 14), and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares January 2018 with January 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.3 percent in January 2018 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in January 2017 and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work, and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - January 2018

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas

Pontiac Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.5 percent in January 2018 from 6.4 percent in January 2017.   Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+250). Manufacturing increased by (+200), while Leisure & Hospitality (-50) had the largest decline from a yearago.

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 6,400 positions in January and approximately 82 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board, which is a global, independent business membershipandresearchassociation.Employersactuallyneed more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates becausesomeindustries,suchasConstruction,typicallydonot post advertised jobopenings.

Bloomington MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemploymentratedecreasedto 4.1 percentin January2018when comparedto 5.5 percentin January2017.Therewerean estimated 3,900 unemployed people in the labor force in January 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+600). Jobs gains were reported in Government (+500), Leisure & Hospitality (+300), Professional & Business Services (+200), and Wholesale Trade (+100).  Declines were reported in Manufacturing (-200), while Information, Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, and Educational & Health Services each declined by (-100).  All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a yearago.

Peoria MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.3 percent in January 2018 from 7.7 percent in January 2017. There were an estimated 9,300 unemployed people in the labor force in January 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+2,100). Job gains were reported in Manufacturing (+2,000), Professional & Business Services (+800), Leisure & Hospitality (+400), and Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+200). Declineswerereportedin RetailTrade (-500), Wholesale Trade (-200), Construction (-200), while Financial Activities, Information, Other Services, and Educational & Health Services each declined by (-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 6.1 percent in January 2018 from 7.9 percent in January 2017. There were an estimated 4,500 unemployed people in the labor force in January 2018. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls increased by (+200) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+300) and Leisure & Hospitality (+200). Declines were reported in Financial Activities (-175), while Construction, Educational & Health Services, and Government each declined by (-50). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.3 percent in January 2018 from 7.1 percent in January 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-450). Job gains were led by Construction (+75) and Manufacturing (+50). Government (-125) had the largest decline from a year ago.