Unemployment Rates Up, Jobs Down in All Fourteen Metro Areas in September Compared to Same Time Last Year

SPRINGFIELD - The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in September, with four metro areas at record low payrolls for that month, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in all metro areas and posted a record high for the month of September in one metro area. 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.

"As Illinois continues to make necessary adjustments and work through the COVID-19 mitigation plan, the Pritzker administration remains committed to providing unemployment benefits as a means of economic relief to claimants who are still in need of the Department's services," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes.  "We take our role in this pandemic seriously, and will continue to work with IDES to support working families and provide employment training and services to those who seek it."

The number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas.  Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-10.5%, -17,900), Elgin (-8.8%, -23,200) and Lake-Kenosha (-7.6%, -32,000). In Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, jobs were down 7.2% (-274,200). No industry sector saw job gains in a majority of metro areas.

Not seasonally adjusted data compares September 2020 with September 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 9.8 percent in September 2020 and the highest September unemployment rate since 2011, when it was also 9.8 percent. The official, BLS approved, statewide unemployment rate series begins in 1976. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in September 2020 and the highest September unemployment rate since 2011, when it was 8.8 percent. 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) - September 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 6.3 percent in September 2020 from 3.5 percent in September 2019.

Over the year,  nonfarm  payroll  employment  decreased   by   -5,100 compared to one year ago. The largest declines were reported in Leisure-Hospitality (-2,300), Professional-Business Services  (-1,300), Government (-600), Educational-Health Services (-400), and Manufacturing (-200).

Peoria MSA: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 8.5 percent in September 2020 from 4.2 percent in September 2019.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by -17,900 compared to one year ago. The largest declines were reported in Leisure-Hospitality (-8,500),Government(-2,500), and Professional & Business Services (-2,400).

Ottawa-Streator Area: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 7.8 percent in September 2020 from 4.2 percent in September 2019. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls decreased by -2,675 compared to a year ago. Manufacturing (-675), Leisure-Hospitality (-600), and Educational-Health Services (-425) posted the largest declines.

Galesburg Area-Knox County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 8.5 percent in September 2020 from 4.5 percent in September 2019. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by -1,075. The largest declines were reported in Trade, Transportation, & Utilities  (-275), Manufacturing (-225), Leisure-Hospitality (-175), and Educational-Health Services (-175) sectors from a year ago.

Pontiac Area-Livingston County: The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.9 percent in September 2020 from 3.5 percent in September 2019.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by -575. Leisure-Hospitality (-125), Manufacturing (-125), Information (-100), and Educational-Health Services (-100) 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.