Unemployment Rate Continues Falling in All Metro Areas

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in May 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 eleven of the metropolitan areas.

"For the third consecutive month, the unemployment rate is below the previous year levels in all metro areas," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "And, job growth was reported in 11 of the state's 14 metro areas with many downstate metros now showing improvement."

Illinois businesses added jobs in eleven metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+3.9 percent, +1,800), the Quad Cities (+1.5 percent, +2,700), and Champaign-Urbana (+1.2 percent, +1,300). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.9 percent or +32,500). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Danville (-1.4 percent, -400), Carbondale-Marion (-1.2 percent, -700), and Springfield (-0.7 percent, -800).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (9 of 14), Professional and Business Services, (9 of 14), and Manufacturing (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2018 with May 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 3.5 percent in May 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 3.6 percent in May 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.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - May 2018

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 7,000 positions in May 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 3.3 percent in May 2018 when compared to 3.7 percent in May 2017. There were an estimated 3,300 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by
(+500). Jobs gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+500), Government (+500), Professional & Business Services (+500), and Financial Activities (+200). Declines were reported in Construction (-500), Manufacturing (-200), Retail Trade
(-200), while Information, Other Services, and Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities each declined by (-100). All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a year ago.

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in May 2018 from 4.8 percent in May 2017. There were an estimated 7,600 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by
(+300). Job gains were reported in Professional & Business Services (+1,900), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+400), and Other Services (+100). Declines were reported in Manufacturing (-800), Construction (-400), Government
(-300), Leisure & Hospitality (-200), Retail Trade (-200), Wholesale Trade (-100), and Educational & Health Services 
(-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.4 percent in May 2018 from 4.6 percent in May 2017. There were an estimated 3,400 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2018. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-50) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+300), Leisure & Hospitality (+150), and Other Services (+25).  Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services
(-225), Financial Activities (-175), and Government (-75).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.1 percent in May 2018 from 4.3 percent in May 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-275). The largest gains occurred in Educational & Health Services (+75) and Leisure & Hospitality (+50).   Government (-150) had the largest decline from a year ago.

Pontiac Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.6 percent in May 2018 from 3.9 percent in May 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+225). Government, Manufacturing, and Information each increased by (+50), while Educational & Health Services (-50) had the largest decline from a year ago.

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

Note: Monthly 2017 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2018, as required by the U.S. BLS.  Comments and tables distributed for prior metro area news releases should be discarded as any records or historical analysis previously cited may no longer be valid.