Unemployment Rate Falls in Thirteen Metros - Unchanged in One

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in August in thirteen 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 ten of the metropolitan areas.

"The unemployment rate continued its downward trend in all metro areas except one where it was unchanged," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "These are some of the lowest unemployment rates we have seen in years. In fact, for the sixth consecutive month, the Chicago metro area had its lowest unemployment rate on record."

Illinois businesses added jobs in ten metro areas, with the largest increases in: Kankakee (+6.2 percent, +2,900), Champaign-Urbana (+1.6 percent, +1,700), the Quad Cities (+1.1 percent, + 2,100), and Rockford (+1.1 percent, +1,600). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.8 percent or +28,400). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Carbondale-Marion (-0.9 percent, -500), Springfield (-0.3 percent, -400), and Bloomington (-0.2 percent, -200). Total nonfarm jobs were unchanged in Peoria.

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Manufacturing (10 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (10 of 14), Professional and Business Services (10 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (9 of 14), and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares August 2018 with August 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.2 percent in August 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 3.9 percent in August 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) - August 2018

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 8,200 positions in August and approximately 82 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 4.1 percent in August 2018 when compared to 4.2 percent in August 2017. There were an estimated 3,900 unemployed people in the labor force in August 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-200). Job gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+700), Educational & Health Services (+200), and Professional & Business Services (+100).  Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-300), Manufacturing (-200), Financial Activities
(-200), while Construction, Information, Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, Other Services, and Wholesale Trade 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 August 2018 from 5.4 percent in August 2017. There were an estimated 8,800 unemployed people in the labor force in August 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment remained unchanged.  Job gains were reported in Professional & Business Services (+1,300), Manufacturing (+800), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+200), and Retail Trade (+100). Declines were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (-1,000), Educational & Health Services (-800), Government (-500), and Wholesale Trade (-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 August 2018 from 5.2 percent in August 2017. There were an estimated 3,900 unemployed people in the labor force in August 2018. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-250) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Leisure & Hospitality (+125) and Manufacturing (+100).  Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services (-225), Educational & Health Services (-125), and Financial Activities
(-100).  All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in August 2018 from 5.1 percent in August 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-225). The largest gain occurred in Leisure & Hospitality (+75) while Government (-125) had the largest decline from a year ago.

Pontiac Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent in August 2018 from 4.4 percent in August 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by
(-75). Gains were not recorded and Manufacturing declined by (-100) 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.