Unemployment Rates Up, Jobs Down in All Metro Areas Across the State

SPRINGFIELD - The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in November, 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. 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.

"IDES and the Pritzker administration are committed to serving the needs of workers, claimants, and families impacted by the continued pandemic," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "With the passing of the new federal Covid-19 relief legislation, IDES will work as quickly as possible to implement the extensions and creation of unemployment programs included in the new stimulus if and when it is signed.  The Department remains dedicated to serving claimants who desperately need the services of IDES, particularly during this difficult holiday season."

The number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas.  Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-9.6%, -16,300), Elgin (-9.3%, -24,500), and Rockford (-8.1%, -12,200). In Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, jobs were down 7.1% (-274,100). Three metro areas recorded a new record low number of nonfarm jobs for November (dating back to 1990) and one tied a record low.

Not seasonally adjusted data compares November 2020 with November 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 6.5 percent in November 2020.  Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in November 2020.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - November 2020

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

Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 7.3 percent in November 2020 from 3.0 percent in November 2019.  The last time the November rate was equal to or higher was in 2013 when it was 8.4 percent. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -274,100 compared to November 2019.  The Leisure-Hospitality (-109,300), Professional-Business Services (-35,100), Government (-33,700), and Educational-Health Services (-27,800) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Elgin, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.0 percent in November 2020 from 3.7 percent in November 2019. The last time the November rate was equal to or higher was in 2013 when it was 7.9 percent. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -24,500 compared to November 2019.  The Leisure-Hospitality (-7,100),    Government  (-3,700),  Educational-Health Services (-3,500),  Manufacturing (-3,200), and Other Services (-2,900) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Retail Trade (+800) had payroll gains over the year.

Lake & Kenosha Counties, IL-WI Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.5 percent in November 2020 from 3.5 percent in November 2019. The last time the November rate was equal to or higher was in 2013 when it was 7.2 percent. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -28,000 compared to November 2019.    Leisure-Hospitality (-12,500),   Government  (-4,900), Professional-Business Services (-4,400),  and Educational-Health Services (-2,200)  sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+1,400) and Construction (+200) had payroll gains over the year.

Kankakee, IL MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.0 percent in November 2020 from 4.8 percent in November 2019.  The last time the November rate was equal to or higher was in 2015 when it was 6.8 percent. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -2,300 compared to November 2019. The  Educational-Health Services  (-700),    Government (-700), Leisure-Hospitality (-400), Professional-Business Services (-300), and Other Services (-200) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.  Retail Trade (+300) had payroll gains over the year.

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.