Unemployment Rate Down in 101 Counties, all Fourteen Metros

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO- The unemployment rate decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas compared to last August, 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 number of nonfarm jobs increased in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in two.

"Illinois has a bright future for residents and businesses, and we're building an economy that works for everyone throughout the state," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "The Pritzker administration continues to build on these recent gains with the state's first bipartisan balanced budget in years and the historic Rebuild Illinois capital bill that together make long-term investments in our small businesses, schools and infrastructure."

Illinois businesses added jobs in twelve metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.6%, +1,500), Danville (+2.6%, +700), and Champaign-Urbana (+2.5%, +2,600). The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights metro division was up (+0.9% or +34,000). The two metro areas showing an over-the-year decrease in total nonfarm jobs were Kankakee (-1.1%, -500) and Peoria (-0.3%, -500).

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

Not seasonally adjusted data compares August 2019 with August 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 3.8 percent in August 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 3.8 percent in August 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) - August 2019

Central Illinois Highlights

Decatur MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in August 2019 from 5.8 percent in August 2018. There were an estimated 2,500 unemployed people in the labor force in August 2019.

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

Springfield MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.5 percent in August 2019 from 4.4 percent in August 2018. There were an estimated 4,000 unemployed people in the labor force in August 2019.

The total number of nonfarm jobs in the Springfield metro area increased by (+1,400) compared to a year ago. Payroll increases were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+1,100), Other Services (+300), Government (+200), Educational & Health Services (+200), Information (+100), Wholesale Trade (+100), and Financial Activities (+100). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-400), Professional & Business Services (-200), 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.