Unemployment rate down in most Illinois metro areas

Record lows in November for four metros, 36 counties

SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in November in 13 Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in one, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Data also shows the number of nonfarm jobs increased in nine Illinois metropolitan areas, decreased in four, and was unchanged in one.

“As job growth continues to be strong throughout the state, Gov. Pritzker will continue to build on the momentum of the past year to expand long-term economic success,” said Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes. “Illinois’ bipartisan balanced budget and the historic Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan are making critical investments and creating an economy that works for everyone.”

Illinois businesses added jobs in nine metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Champaign-Urbana (+3.4%, +3,800), Carbondale-Marion (+2.5%, +1,500) Decatur (+1.5%, +800), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+24,200 or +0.6%). Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-1.7%, -3,100), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL (-1.2%, -2,300) and Danville (-0.4%, -100).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Government (11 of 14), Mining and Construction (9 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (9 of 14), Education and Health Services (9 of 14) and Leisure and Hospitality (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares November 2019 with November 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 3.4 percent in November 2019 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in November 2019 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: