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

Central Illinois Highlights

Bloomington MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 2.8 percent in March 2020 from 4.4 percent in March 2019.

Over the year,  nonfarm  payroll  employment  decreased  by   (-500) compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Financial Activities (+400) and Educational-Health Services (+300). The largest declines were reported in Leisure-Hospitality (-300).

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent in March 2020 from 5.5 percent in March 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-4,300) compared to one year ago. Job gains were reported in Educational and Health Services (+400) and Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+100). The largest declines were reported in Leisure  &  Hospitality  (-1,600),   Manufacturing   (-1,400),  and Professional  &  Business Services   (-1,200).

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.5 percent in March 2020 from 6.5 percent in March 2019. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-300) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (+100), Financial Activities (+75), and Professional-Business Services (+75). Manufacturing (-450) and Educational-Health Services (-100) posted the largest declines.

Galesburg Area-Knox County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in March 2020 from 6.0 percent in March 2019. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-375). Job gains occurred in Educational & Health Services (+50). The largest declines were reported in Manufacturing (-125) and Leisure-Hospitality (-100) sectors from a year ago.

Pontiac Area-Livingston County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.4 percent in March 2020 from 5.0 percent in March 2019.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-150). The largest gains were reported in Professional-Business Services (+125) and Manufacturing (+100).  Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-175) and Information (-125) posted the largest declines from a year ago.

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.