Unemployment Rate Down in Twelve Metro Areas, Jobs Up in Thirteen

SPRINGFIELD - The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in September in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas, increased in one, 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 shows the number of nonfarm jobs increased in thirteen Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in one.

 "The Pritzker administration remains dedicated to creating positive economic advances. The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital bill is essential to making critical investments throughout the state that will create an economy that works for everyone," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes.

Illinois businesses added jobs in thirteen metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.7%, +1,600), Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI (+2.6%, +10,900) and Champaign-Urbana (+2.4%, +2,700). The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights metro division was up (+0.7% or +27,600). Total nonfarm jobs were down in the Peoria MSA (-0.8%, -1,500).

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

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

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Bloomington MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.6 percent in September 2019 from 4.0 percent in September 2018. There were an estimated 3,440 unemployed people in the labor force in September 2019.

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

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent in September 2019 from 4.6 percent in September 2018. There were an estimated 7,700 unemployed people in the labor force in September 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-1,500) compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Government (+200), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+200), Construction (+100), and Wholesale Trade (+100). Declines were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (-800), Manufacturing (-500), Educational & Health Services (-400), Retail Trade (-200), and Professional & Business Services (-200). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in September 2019 from 4.7 percent in September 2018. There were an estimated 3,300 unemployed people in the labor force in September 2019. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls increased by (+1,300) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Government (+775), Leisure & Hospitality (+175), Construction (+100), Manufacturing (+100), Educational & Health Services (+75), and Other Services (+50). Declines were reported in Financial Activities (-75) and Professional & Business Services (-50). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.6 percent in September 2019 from 5.0 percent in September 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+25). The largest gains occurred in Government (+275) and Educational & Health Services (+175). Declines were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (-75), Financial Activities (-50), Information (-50), and Professional & Business Services (-25) from a year ago.

Pontiac Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.7 percent in September 2019 from 4.1 percent in September 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment remained unchanged compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Government (+225), Professional & Business Services (+50), and Leisure & Hospitality (+50).  Declines were reported in Information (-150), Educational & Health Services (-50), and Construction (-25) 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.