Unemployment Rate Falls in Thirteen Metros

 Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in February in 13 of Illinois's metropolitan areas and was unchanged in one, 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 eleven of the metropolitan areas.

"It's certainly a robust start to 2018 with declining unemployment rates in most areas," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "In fact, the February unemployment rate in thirteen of the metros is the lowest it has been since at least 2000."

Illinois businesses added jobs in eleven metro areas, with the largest increases in: Rockford (+5.3 percent, +7,500), Kankakee (+4.2 percent, +1,900), and Elgin (+2.5 percent, +6,300). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.5 percent or +18,700). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Springfield (-1.8 percent, -2,000), Carbondale-Marion (-1.6 percent, -900), and Danville (-1.1 percent, -300).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (11 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (8 of 14), Professional and Business Services, (8 of 14), and Government (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares February 2018 with February 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.0 percent in February 2018 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in February 2018 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) - February 2018

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

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IL-IA MSA

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 4,700 positions in February and approximately 82 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.

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.4 percent in February 2018 from 5.5 percent in February 2017. The last time the February rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 1998 when it was 4.0 percent. For the month of February 2018, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 8,400.

Total nonfarm employment increased +3,300 compared to February 2017.   The Professional-Business Services (+2,100), Leisure-Hospitality (+1,000), and Manufacturing (+600) sectors reported the largest payroll gains. The Construction (-500), Retail Trade (-500), and Educational-Health Services (-400) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

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.