Unemployment Rate Drops in All Metro Areas

 Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in December in all of Illinois's metropolitan areas for the seventh 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 nine of the metropolitan areas.

"Eleven metro areas saw their lowest December unemployment rates since 2006," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "The unemployment rate also decreased in all 102 counties over the year."

Illinois businesses added jobs in nine metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+2.9 percent, +1,300), Lake/Kenosha (+1.7 percent, +6,800), and Elgin (+1.3 percent, +3,400). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.8 percent or +28,700). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas, with the largest losses in: Danville (-2.1 percent, -600), Decatur (-1.4 percent, -700), and Springfield (-0.7 percent, -800).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Manufacturing (10 of 14), Wholesale Trade, (9 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (9 of 14), and Education and Health Services (9 of 14).

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

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

* Unemployment rates for cities with total population of 25,000 or more can be found atwww.ides.illinois.gov/LMI/Pages/Current_Monthly_Unemployment_Rates.aspx

Lake & Kenosha Counties, IL-WI Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in December 2017 from 5.3 percent in December 2016. The last time the December rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2000 when it was 3.7 percent. For the month of December 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 19,000.

Total nonfarm employment increased +6,800 compared to December 2016. Professional-Business Services (+4,300), Manufacturing (+2,200), and Leisure-Hospitality (+1,600) reported the largest payroll gains. The Retail Trade (-2,700) sector recorded the largest employment decline compared to one year ago.

Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent in December 2017 from 5.5 percent in December 2016. The last time the December rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2006 when it was 4.2 percent. For the month of December 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 181,100.

Total nonfarm employment increased +28,700 compared to December 2016. Financial Activities (+8,100), Construction (+6,700), Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+6,100), and Educational-Health Services (+5,900) reported the largest payroll gains. The Retail Trade (-12,100) and Leisure-Hospitality (-4,900) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Elgin, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.6 percent in December 2017 from 5.7 percent in December 2016. The last time the December rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2006 when it was 4.2 percent. For the month of December 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 14,800.

Total nonfarm employment increased +3,400 compared to December 2016. Professional-Business Services (+1,800), Government (+900), Leisure-Hospitality (+900), and Retail Trade (+900) reported the largest payroll gains. Manufacturing (-1,300) and Educational-Health Services (-300) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.