Jobs up, unemployment rates down in all 14 metro areas of Illinois
The unemployment rate decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in August according to preliminary data released on Sept. 22, 2022, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Jobs increased in all metros.
“Economic recovery, jobs growth, and consistent historically low unemployment claims data continues to signal a strong labor market throughout the state,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Whether you’re returning to the workforce or looking to switch career fields, the State of Illinois offers a suite of workforce development and job and training resources to those who are looking for it.”
The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Rockford MSA (+5.2 percent, +7,200), the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights MSA (+4.8 percent, +172,600), and the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+4.2 percent, +7,500). Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Mining and Construction and Leisure and Hospitality (fourteen areas each); Manufacturing (thirteen areas); Professional and Business Services and Education and Health Services (eleven areas each); Government (ten areas); Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities, and Other Services (nine areas each).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (-1.6 points to 5.0 percent), the Carbondale-Marion MSA (-1.3 points to 4.5 percent), and the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.3 points to 3.8 percent). The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in 97 counties, increased in 2, and was unchanged in 3.
Southern Illinois Highlights
Carbondale – Marion Area
The August 2022 unemployment rate was 4.5 percent. This was a decrease of -1.3 percentage points from the August 2021 rate of 5.8 percent. Total nonfarm employment in August 2022 increased by +2,100 compared to last August.
Employment increased in Government (+200).
Surrounding Counties
Total nonfarm employment increased by +750 compared to August 2021.
Employment gains were posted in Leisure and Hospitality (+275), Government (+275), Educational and Health Services (+200), Other Services (+50), Construction (+50), Information (+25), Financial Activities (+25), and Manufacturing (+25).
August payrolls declined in Professional and Business Services (-100), and Natural Resources and Mining (-50). No change was reported in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
Harrisburg Area
Total nonfarm employment increased by +200 compared to August 2021.
Employment gains were posted in Government (+125), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+75), Educational and Health Services (+50), Information (+50), Financial Activities (+25), Natural Resources and Mining (+25) and Other Services (+25).
Manufacturing payrolls were unchanged. Employment declined in Construction (-100), Professional and Business Services (-25), and Leisure and Hospitality (-25).
Olney – Mt. Carmel Area
Total nonfarm employment increased by +250 compared to August 2021.
Employment gains were posted in Government (+125), Leisure and Hospitality (+75), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+50), Educational and Health Services (+50), Other Services (+50), Natural Resources and Mining (+25), and Financial Activities (+25).
No changes were reported in Information or Professional and Business Services.
Payrolls decreased in Manufacturing (-75) and Construction (-25).
Note: Monthly 2021 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2022, 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.
