Payroll Jobs Down in Twelve Metro Areas as Impact of COVID-19 Begins

SPRINGFIELD -The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in March in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas 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 temporarily decreased over the year due to the shrinking of the labor force as businesses began to close and workers transitioned due to COVID-19. The unemployment rate and labor force fell in thirteen metropolitan areas. 

"From day one, this administration has pursued policies that support our working families and help lift up every Illinoisan," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "Keeping our communities safe during the COVID-19 outbreak remains a top priority and we will continue to champion worker protections, expand access to our benefits systems, and support small businesses navigating this challenging time." 

Data shows the number of nonfarm jobs decreased in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in two. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Rockford (-4.0%, -6,000), Peoria (-2.5%, -4,300), and Lake-Kenosha (-1.7%, -7,200).  Jobs were also down in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (-0.2%, -8,800). Illinois businesses added jobs in Kankakee (+2.0%, +900) and Champaign-Urbana (+1.3%, +1,500). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Education and Health Services (10 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2020 with March 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.4 percent in March 2020 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in March 2020 and 10.6 percent in January 2010, at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. 

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - March 2020

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

East Central Illinois Highlights

Champaign-Urbana MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 2.6 percent in March 2020 from 4.3 percent in March 2019. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower was in 1999 when it was 2.4 percent. 

Non-farm employment increased by +1,500 compared to last March. 

The Government (+1,900), Educational-Health Services (+300), and Leisure-Hospitality (+200) sectors reported the largest payroll gains.    

Retail Trade (-400),  Manufacturing  (-200), Wholesale  Trade (-100), Information (-100), Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (-100), and Professional-Business Services (-100) sectors recorded employment declines compared to one year ago.

Danville MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.8 percent in March 2020 from 5.7 percent in March 2019. The March 2020 unemployment rate is the lowest March unemployment rate on record.

Non-farm employment decreased by -400 compared to last March. 

Job gains were reported in Manufacturing (+100) over the year.  Declines were reported in Wholesale Trade (-100), Professional-Business Services (-100), Educational-Health Services (-100), Other Services (-100), and Government (-100).

Note: Monthly 2019 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2020, 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.