Unemployment Rate Drops in All Metro Areas for Sixth Consecutive Month

 Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in November in all of Illinois's metropolitan areas, 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 ten of the metropolitan areas and decreased in four.

"It is encouraging that job growth was reported in ten of the fourteen metro areas," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "More than 30,000 of those jobs were created in the Chicago Metro area, so we need continued stronger growth statewide."

Illinois businesses added jobs in ten metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+2.6 percent, +1,200), Lake/Kenosha (+2.4 percent, +9,800), and the Quad Cities (+1.6 percent, +3,000). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.6 percent or +20,900). Illinois businesses lost jobs in four metro areas, with the largest losses in: Danville (-1.7 percent, -500), Champaign (-0.6 percent, -700), and Decatur (-0.6 percent, -300).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Professional and Business Services, (11 of 14), Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (10 of 14), Manufacturing (9 of 14), Education and Health Services (9 of 14), and Leisure and Hospitality (8 of 14).

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

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

Pontiac Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.1 percent in November 2017 from 4.9 percent in November 2016. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-250). Wholesale Trade and Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities each increased by (+25) while Manufacturing (-150) had the largest decline from a year ago.

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 7,100 positions in November and approximately 83 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board, which 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 post advertised job openings.

Bloomington MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent in November 2017 when compared to 4.6 percent in November 2016. There were an estimated 3,700 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2017.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+500). Jobs gains were reported in Construction (+300), Professional & Business Services (+300), Government (+100), Educational & Health Services (+100), Leisure & Hospitality (+100), and Information (+100).  Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-500).  All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a yearago.

Peoria MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent in November 2017 from 5.9 percent in November 2016. There were an estimated 8,600 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2017.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+900). Job gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+1,800), Manufacturing (+600), Construction (+500), Professional & Business Services (+200), Financial Activities (+100), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+100), Wholesale Trade (+100), and Information (+100). Declines were reported in Educational & Health Services (-1,400), Retail Trade (-700), and Government (-500).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent in November 2017 from 5.7 percent in November 2016. There were an estimated 3,600 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2017. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls increased by (+25) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+150), Leisure & Hospitality (+125), Financial Activities (+100), and Wholesale Trade (+50). Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services (-125) and Retail Trade (-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.5 percent in November 2017 from 5.5 percent in November 2016. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+175). Job gains were led by Leisure & Hospitality (+150) and Retail Trade (+100). Educational & Health Services, Professional & Business Services, Other Services, and Financial Activities each declined by (-50).