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

Pontiac Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.0 percent in December 2017 from 5.3 percent in December 2016. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-300). Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, Wholesale Trade, and Professional & Business Services each increased by (+25), while Manufacturing (-175) had the largest decline from a yearago.

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 6,400 positions in December 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 membershipandresearchassociation.Employersactuallyneed more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates becausesomeindustries,suchasConstruction,typicallydonot post advertised jobopenings.

Bloomington MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemploymentratedecreasedto 3.8 percentin December2017when comparedto 4.9 percentin December2016.Therewerean estimated 3,600 unemployed people in the labor force in December 2017.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+1,100). Job gains were reported in Construction (+400), Professional & Business Services (+300), and Government (+300), while Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, Leisure & Hospitality, Educational & Health Services, Information, and Wholesale Trade each increased by (+100). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-400). All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a yearago.

Peoria MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.9 percent in December 2017 from 6.5 percent in December 2016. There were an estimated 8,800 unemployed people in the labor force in December 2017.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+1,100). Job gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+2,300), Manufacturing (+500), Construction (+400), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+200), Professional & Business Services (+200), Wholesale Trade (+100), and Information (+100). Declineswerereportedin Educational & Health Services (-1,400), RetailTrade (-1,100), and Government (-200).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.3 percent in December 2017 from 6.7 percent in December 2016. There were an estimated 4,000 unemployed people in the labor force in December 2017.

Over the year, nonfarm payrolls increased by (+200) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Leisure & Hospitality (+150), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+125), Manufacturing (+100), Financial Activities (+100), and Wholesale Trade (+75). Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services (-100), while Educational & Health Services and Retail Trade each declined by (-75). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent in December 2017 from 6.3 percent in December 2016. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+75). Job gains were led by Leisure & Hospitality (+125) and Retail Trade (+75). Educational & Health Services (-125) had the largest decline from a year ago.