Unemployment Rate Falls in All Metros - Jobs Increase in Ten Metros

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in July 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.

"The number of employed people increased in all metro areas, which contributed to the decrease in the unemployment rate," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "This has driven the unemployment rate down to near record lows across the state. In fact, the Chicago metro area had its lowest July unemployment rate on record."

Illinois businesses added jobs in ten metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+5.9 percent, +2,700), Elgin (+2.0 percent, +5,100), and Champaign-Urbana (+1.5 percent, +1,600). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+1.2 percent or +46,500). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Carbondale-Marion (-0.7 percent, -400), Danville (-0.4 percent, -100), and Bloomington (-0.3 percent, -300).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Leisure and Hospitality (12 of 14), Manufacturing (10 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (10 of 14), Professional and Business Services (10 of 14), and Education and Health Services (8 of 14). 

Not seasonally adjusted data compares July 2018 with July 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.3 percent in July 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 4.1 percent in July 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) - July 2018

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 7,200 positions in July and approximately 81 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 4.2 percent in July 2018 when compared to 4.3 percent in July 2017. There were an estimated 4,000 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-300). Job gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+900) and Educational & Health Services (+100).  Declines were reported in Government (-300) and Manufacturing (-200), while Professional & Business Services, Retail Trade, Wholesale Trade, Financial Activities, Construction, Other Services, Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, and Information 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 4.9 percent in July 2018 from 5.5 percent in July 2017. There were an estimated 8,800 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by
(+500). Job gains were reported in Professional & Business Services (+1,000), Manufacturing (+800), and Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+200). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-400), Government (-400), Leisure & Hospitality (-200), Construction (-200), while Wholesale Trade, Information, and Educational & Health Services each declined by (-100).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent in July 2018 from 5.2 percent in July 2017. There were an estimated 3,900 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2018. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-275) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+150) and Leisure & Hospitality (+100).  Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services (-200), Educational & Health Services (-100), Financial Activities (-100), and Government
(-75).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.7 percent in July 2018 from 5.0 percent in July 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-275). The largest gains occurred in Leisure & Hospitality, Construction, and Manufacturing each increasing by (+50).    Government (-125) had the largest decline from a year ago.

Pontiac Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in July 2018 from 4.4 percent in July 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+50). Government increased by (+100), while Educational & Health Services declined by (-50) from a year ago.

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.