Unemployment Rates Rise in all Metro Areas as COVID-19 Impacts Entire State

SPRINGFIELD -The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in April in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas, with six metro areas at record low payrolls, 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 that the unemployment rate increased over-the-year in all metro areas to record highs for the month of April as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact local areas across the state. The official, BLS approved, sub-state unemployment rate and nonfarm jobs series begins in 1990. Data reported prior to 1990 are not directly comparable due to updates in methodology.

"With every corner of our nation impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time for the federal government to provide state and local governments with additional relief," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "Our administration is focused on helping small businesses rebuild and ensuring working families recover as communities across the state begin safely reopening their economies next week."

Data shows the number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-17.9%, -30,500), Decatur (-17.6%, -9,000) and Rockford (-15.6%, -23,600). Jobs were down -12.8% (-483,200) in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights. Job losses occurred across all industries and there were no industry sectors that recorded job growth in a majority of metro areas.

Not seasonally adjusted data compares April 2020 with April 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 16.9 percent in April 2020, a record high for the month of April, dating back to 1976. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.4 percent in April 2020, also a record high, dating back to 1948. 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) - April 2020

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

Central Illinois Highlights

Bloomington MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 12.8 percent in April 2020 from 3.3 percent in April 2019.

Over the year,  nonfarm  payroll  employment  decreased  by   (-12,100) compared to one year ago. The largest declines were reported in Leisure-Hospitality (-5,400), Professional-Business Services (-1,800), and Retail Trade (-1,200).

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 17.8 percent in April 2020 from 4.1 percent in April 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-30,500) compared to one year ago. The largest declines were reported in Leisure  &  Hospitality  (-13,800), Professional  &  Business Services (-3,500), and Retail Trade (-2,800).

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 17.3 percent in April 2020 from 4.6 percent in April 2019. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by (-4,600) compared to a year ago. Manufacturing (-1,575), Leisure  &  Hospitality  (-1,375), and Educational-Health Services (-575) posted the largest declines.

Galesburg Area-Knox County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 14.6 percent in April 2020 from 4.4 percent in April 2019. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-1,275). The largest declines were reported in Leisure-Hospitality (-450) and Manufacturing (-250) sectors from a year ago.

Pontiac Area-Livingston County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 12.2 percent in April 2020 from 3.6 percent in April 2019.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-650). Leisure-Hospitality (-200), Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-175), Educational-Health Services (-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. The official monthly unemployment rate series for metro areas, counties and most cities begins in 1990. The official monthly nonfarm jobs series for metro areas begins in 1990 and for non-metropolitan counties it begins in 1999.