Jobs up in Most Metro Areas

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO- The number of nonfarm jobs increased in ten Illinois metropolitan areas, remained the same in one and decreased in three, 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 unemployment rates increased over-the-year in April in eleven Illinois metropolitan areas, decreased in one, and was unchanged in two.

"Job growth remains strong in most areas of the state, which is encouraging more Illinoisans to enter the labor force," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "This administration is working to continue this growth by providing workers with the training they need and restoring fiscal responsibility in state government."

Illinois businesses added jobs in ten metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.6%, +1,500), Peoria (+2.0%, +3,400), Lake-Kenosha (+1.8%, +7,700), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+58,300 or +1.6%). The metro areas showing the largest over-the-year decrease in total nonfarm jobs were Bloomington (-1.1%, -1,000), Danville (-0.4%, -100) and the Illinois section of St. Louis (-0.3%, -800).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (11 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (11 of 14), Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Government (9 of 14) and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares April 2019 with April 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.0 percent in April 2019 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in April 2019 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) - April 2019

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

Rockford MSA Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 6,800 positions in April and approximately 79 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 need more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates because some industries, such as construction, typically do not advertise job openings.

Rockford MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.4 percent in April 2019 from 4.6 percent in April 2018. For the month of April 2019, the estimated number of people unemployed in the labor force was 9,100.

Total nonfarm employment increased +2,300 compared to April 2018. The Manufacturing (+1,500), Educational-Health Services (+800), and Retail Trade (+500) sectors recorded the largest payroll gains compared to one year ago. Professional-Business Services (-700) recorded the largest employment decline over-the-year.

Ogle County

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent in April 2019 from 4.3 percent in April 2018. For the month of April 2019, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 1,300.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -375 over the year.  The Construction (+25), Leisure-Hospitality (+25), and Professional-Business Services (+25) sectors added jobs over the year. The Manufacturing (-350) and Financial Activities (-50) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Stephenson County  

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.5 percent in April 2019 from 4.0 percent in April 2018. For the month of April 2019, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 1,000.

Total nonfarm employment increased over the year to 17,500. Government (+75), Educational-Health Services (+50), Professional-Business Services (+50), Financial Activities (+50), and Construction (+50) added the most jobs from April 2018. The Leisure-Hospitality (-100) and Manufacturing (-75) sectors recorded the largest declines compared to one year ago.

Note: Monthly 2018 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2019, 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.