Unemployment Rate Drops in All Metro Areas for Fifth Consecutive Month

 Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in October 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 eight of the metropolitan areas and decreased in six.

"It is encouraging that the unemployment rate is down statewide and Illinois gained 18,200 jobs over the past year," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "However, six of the 14 metro areas did not add jobs, which is a clear sign of the need for more sustained job growth across all areas of the state."

Illinois businesses added jobs in eight metro areas, with the largest increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.1 percent, +1,200), Kankakee (+2.0 percent, +900), and Lake/Kenosha (+1.3 percent, +5,300). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.6 percent or +20,800). Illinois businesses lost jobs in six metro areas, with the largest losses in: Danville (-1.0 percent, -300), Springfield (-0.9 percent, -1,100), and Champaign (-0.5 percent, -600).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (9 of 14) and Education and Health Services (9 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares October 2017 with October 2016. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.7 percent in October 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 3.9 percent in October 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) - October 2017

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

Stephenson County  

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.1 percent in October 2017 from 5.4 percent in October 2016. The last time the October rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2006 when it was 3.7 percent. For the month of October 2017, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 850.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -200 over the year. Construction (+50) added the most jobs from October 2016. The Financial Activities (-125), Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-75), and Manufacturing (-75) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Rockford MSA Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 5,800 positions in October and approximately 84 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board. It is a global, independent business membership and research association. Employers actually need more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates because some industries, such as construction, typically do not advertise job openings.

Rockford MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in October 2017 from 6.2 percent in October 2016. The last time the October rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2006 when it was 4.1 percent. For the month of October 2017, the estimated number of people unemployed in the labor force was 8,200.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -600 compared to October 2016. Professional-Business Services (-1,200), Retail Trade (-400), and Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (-200) recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Manufacturing (+1,000) and Educational-Health Services (+300) reported the largest payroll gains over the year.

Ogle County

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent in October 2017 from 5.4 percent in October 2016. The last time the October rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2006 when it was 3.5 percent. For the month of October 2017, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 1,050.

Total nonfarm employment increased +125 compared to October 2016. The Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (+100) sector added the most jobs over the year. The Information (-25), Financial Activities (-25), and Government (-25) sectors recorded the only declines compared to one year ago.