Jobs up in Twelve Metro Areas

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO- The number of nonfarm jobs increased in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in two, 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 decreased over-the-year in May in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in two.

"Job growth was widespread across most metro areas in May as job opportunities and confidence in the economy continue to improve," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "Gov. Pritzker and his administration are building on this success with bold bipartisan investments that will help create and support more good jobs, whether it's helping to rebuild our roads and bridges, teach students at our schools and universities or expanding broadband throughout the state."

Illinois businesses added jobs in twelve metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.8%, +1,600), Lake-Kenosha (+2.3%, +9,700), Peoria (+1.9%, +3,300), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+1.3%, +47,900). The metro areas showing over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were Danville (-1.1%, -300) and the Illinois section of the St. Louis metro area (-0.5%, -1,100).

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

Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2019 with May 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 3.6 percent in May 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 3.4 percent in May 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) - May 2019

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 11,300 positions in May and approximately 76 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 2019 from 3.6 per cent in May 2018. There were an estimated 3,150 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+100) compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+300), Government (+200), Educational & Health Services (+200), and Professional & Business Services (+100). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-400), Manufacturing (-200), and Other Services (-100). All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a year ago.

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent in May 2019 from 4.5 percent in May 2018. There were an estimated 7,150 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+3,300) compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Professional & Business Services (+2,000), Educational & Health Services (+800), Government (+400), Wholesale Trade (+300), Manufacturing (+300), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+300), and Construction (+100). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-900). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent in May 2019 from 4.7 percent in May 2018. There were an estimated 3,300 unemployed people in the labor force in May 2019. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-75) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+125), Other Services (+50), and Leisure & Hospitality (+50). Declines were reported in Financial Activities (-75), Construction (-50), and Government (-25). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent in May 2019 from 4.4 percent in May 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-300). The largest gains occurred in Educational & Health Services (+100) and Manufacturing (+75). Declines were reported in Government (-100), while Financial Activities, Information, and Leisure & Hospitality each declined by (-50) from a year ago.

Pontiac Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.7 percent in May 2019 from 3.8 percent in May 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-150). Professional & Business Services increased by (+25), while Information declined by (-100) from a 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.