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

South Central Illinois Highlights

Labor market conditions have steadily improved during the past twelve months in South Central Illinois. Fall unemployment rates are generally at low levels for the year. All eighteen counties reported a decline in unemployment compared to one year-ago. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Employment increases were reported in Transportation, Health Care Services, and Professional-Business Services this fall in South Central Illinois. Seasonal layoffs began in Recreation and Construction. Over the year, payroll gains were reported in Manufacturing, Retail Trade, Wholesale Trade, and Health Services. Employment losses occurred in Information and Financial Activities. State and Local Government payrolls gradually declined during the past year.

Many employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Sales, Transportation, and Office and Administrative Support in fall 2017. Numerous job openings were advertised in Engineering, Management, Food Preparation, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Construction, Installation, Maintenance, and Repair, and Business-Finance.

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.