Jobs Up in All Metro Areas for First Time Since May 2000

CHICAGO- The number of nonfarm jobs increased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in July, 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 shows the unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in July in eleven Illinois metropolitan areas, increased in one and was unchanged in two.

"We are thrilled to announce that jobs grew in every metro area for the first time since May 2000 and this administration will continue to build on our momentum with policies that invest in our future," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "That's why Governor Pritzker worked hard to pass a balanced budget that makes historic investments in education and a bipartisan capital bill that will help grow our economy for years to come."

Illinois businesses added jobs in all fourteen metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.3%, +1,300), Lake - Kenosha (+2.3%, +9,900), Danville (+2.2%, +600), and Rockford (+2.0%, +3,000). The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights metro division was up (+1.3% or +47,700).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Leisure and Hospitality (13 of 14), Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Government (9 of 14), Manufacturing (8 of 14), Professional and Business Services (8 of 14) and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares July 2019 with July 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.2 percent in July 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 4.0 percent in July 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.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - July 2019

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Decatur MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.4 percent in July 2019 from 6.0 percent in July 2018. There were an estimated 2,800 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2019.

The total number of nonfarm jobs in the Decatur metro area increased by (+700) compared to one year ago. Payrolls increased in Manufacturing (+500), Educational & Health Services (+400), Construction (+200), Leisure & Hospitality (+100), and Other Services (+100). Declines were reported in Professional & Business Services (-300), while Retail Trade, Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, and Financial Activities each declined by (-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Springfield MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent in July 2019 from 4.3 percent in July 2018. There were an estimated 4,400 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2019.

The total number of nonfarm jobs in the Springfield metro area increased by (+1,500) compared to a year ago. Payroll increases were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+1,100), Information (+600), Educational & Health Services (+300), Other Services (+100), and Government (+100).  Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-500), Professional & Business Services (-100), and Manufacturing (-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

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.