Unemployment Rate Drops in All Metro Areas

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in September in all of Illinois's metropolitan areas and in all 102 counties, 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 six of the metropolitan areas and decreased in eight.

"Seeing the rates drop across the board in all 102 counties is certainly encouraging." said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "But the job growth in the Chicago Metro Area, while it has carried the state during this past year, still lags behind the growth in neighboring states."

Illinois businesses added jobs in six metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+2.3 percent, +1,000), Carbondale-Marion (+2.0 percent, +1,200), and Bloomington (+1.5 percent, +1,400). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.3 percent or +11,100). Illinois businesses lost jobs in eight metro areas, with the largest losses in: Danville (-1.1 percent, -300), Elgin (-0.7 percent, -1,900), Rockford (-0.5 percent, -700), and Champaign (-0.5 percent, -500).

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

Not seasonally adjusted data compares September 2017 with September 2016. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.6 percent in September 2017 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in September 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) - September 2017

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

Southern Illinois Highlights

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in September 2017 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). In September 2016, the jobless rate was 5.6 percent. There were approximately 2,600 unemployed in September 2017 in the two counties. Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties compared to one year- ago.

Employment gains were reported in fall 2017 in Transportation and Leisure-Hospitality in Southern Illinois. Over the year, employment advances were reported in Health Care Services and Professional-Business Services, Retail Trade and Wholesale Trade. Payroll losses occurred in Mining, Information, and Financial Activities during the past year.

Numerous employment opportunities were advertised in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in fall 2017. Many job openings were available in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Social Services, Health Care Support, Education, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Jobs were also advertised for Construction, Business-Finance, and Personal Care Service occupations.

The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.