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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
Metropolitan Area | November 2020* | November 2019** | Over-the-Year |
Bloomington | 4.6% | 3.2% | 1.4 |
Carbondale-Marion | 5.1% | 3.5% | 1.6 |
Champaign-Urbana | 4.5% | 3.2% | 1.3 |
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | 7.3% | 3.0% | 4.3 |
Danville | 6.1% | 4.7% | 1.4 |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 4.8% | 4.0% | 0.8 |
Decatur | 7.7% | 4.8% | 2.9 |
Elgin | 6.0% | 3.7% | 2.3 |
Kankakee | 6.0% | 4.8% | 1.2 |
Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI | 5.5% | 3.5% | 2.0 |
Peoria | 6.2% | 4.2% | 2.0 |
Rockford | 7.1% | 5.3% | 1.8 |
Springfield | 5.8% | 3.5% | 2.3 |
St. Louis (IL-Section) | 5.0% | 3.5% | 1.5 |
Illinois Statewide | 6.5% | 3.4% | 3.1 |
* Preliminary I ** Revised |
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Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - November 2020
Metropolitan Area | November | November | Over-the-Year |
| 2020* | 2019** | Change |
Bloomington MSA | 88,300 | 94,200 | -5,900 |
Carbondale-Marion MSA | 57,300 | 59,200 | -1,900 |
Champaign-Urbana MSA | 114,800 | 119,600 | -4,800 |
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,561,100 | 3,835,200 | -274,100 |
Danville MSA | 26,600 | 27,600 | -1,000 |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 177,300 | 188,000 | -10,700 |
Decatur MSA | 46,800 | 50,500 | -3,700 |
Elgin Metro Division | 238,700 | 263,200 | -24,500 |
Kankakee MSA | 44,500 | 46,800 | -2,300 |
Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 392,500 | 420,500 | -28,000 |
Peoria MSA | 153,800 | 170,100 | -16,300 |
Rockford MSA | 137,700 | 149,900 | -12,200 |
Springfield MSA | 104,100 | 110,000 | -5,900 |
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 234,500 | 244,200 | -9,700 |
Illinois Statewide | 5,752,300 | 6,169,300 | -417,000 |
*Preliminary | **Revised |
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Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Labor Market Area | Nov 2020 | Nov 2019 | Over the Year Change | |
Decatur MSA |
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Macon County | 7.7 % | 4.8 % | 2.9 | |
Springfield MSA |
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Menard County | 4.0 % | 3.1 % | 0.9 | |
Sangamon County | 5.9 % | 3.5 % | 2.4 | |
Cities |
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Decatur City | 9.2 % | 5.5 % | 3.7 | |
Rock Island City | 5.7 % | 4.8 % | 0.9 | |
Springfield City | 6.7 % | 3.6 % | 3.1 | |
Counties |
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Adams County | 4.0 % | 3.0 % | 1.0 | |
Brown County | 2.5 % | 2.2 % | 0.3 | |
Calhoun County | 4.0 % | 4.5 % | -0.5 | |
Christian County | 5.1 % | 4.3 % | 0.8 | |
De Witt County | 4.8 % | 3.5 % | 1.3 | |
Greene County | 4.7 % | 3.7 % | 1.0 | |
Hancock County | 3.8 % | 4.0 % | -0.2 | |
Jersey County | 4.5 % | 3.8 % | 0.7 | |
Logan County | 4.5 % | 3.7 % | 0.8 | |
McDonough County | 4.6 % | 3.5 % | 1.1 | |
Macoupin County | 4.1 % | 3.8 % | 0.3 | |
Montgomery County | 5.5 % | 4.7 % | 0.8 | |
Morgan County | 4.7 % | 3.5 % | 1.2 | |
Moultrie County | 3.5 % | 2.9 % | 0.6 | |
Piatt County | 3.8 % | 2.9 % | 0.9 | |
Pike County | 3.7 % | 3.8 % | -0.1 | |
Schuyler County | 4.1 % | 3.9 % | 0.2 | |
Scott County | 4.2 % | 3.4 % | 0.8 | |
Shelby County | 3.9 % | 3.5 % | 0.4 | |
Other Areas |
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LWIA 19 | 7.3 % | 4.6 % | 2.7 | |
LWIA 20 | 5.5 % | 3.6 % | 1.9 | |
LWIA 21 | 4.5 % | 3.8 % | 0.7 | |
Central EDR | 5.6 % | 3.9 % | 1.7 |
Central Illinois Highlights
Decatur MSA
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 7.7 percent in November 2020 from 4.8 percent in November 2019. There were an estimated 3,576 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2020.
The number of total nonfarm jobs in the Decatur metro area decreased by -3,700 compared to one year ago.
Payrolls increased in Retail Trade (+300), Other Services (+300), and Government (+100).
November payrolls posted declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-1,400), Educational and Health Services (-800), Construction and Mining (-700), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-500), Manufacturing (-400), Professional and Business Services (-300), Financial Activities (-100), Wholesale Trade (-100), and Information (-100).
Springfield MSA
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.8 percent in November 2020 from 3.5 percent in November 2019. There were an estimated 6,002 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2020.
The number of total nonfarm jobs in the Springfield metro area decreased by -5,900 compared to one year ago.
Payrolls increased in Retail Trade (+900). Information and Transportation, Trade and Utilities showed no change in employment compared to November 2019.
November payrolls posted declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-2,500), Government (-1,400), Professional and Business Services (-700), Manufacturing (-600), Mining and Construction (-500), Other Services (-400), Financial Activities (-400), Educational and Health Services (-200), and Wholesale Trade (-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. 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.
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