Jobs up in Eight Metro Areas - Unemployment rate up in most metros

Contact: Sam Salustro | Phone: 312-550-1582 PDF Version

4/25/19 – The number of nonfarm jobs increased in eight Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in six, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show unemployment rates increased over-the-year in March in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas, decreased in one, and was unchanged in one. 

“We continue to see solid job growth taking hold in most metro areas,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “As more people enter the labor market to work or seek employment, this administration is committed to giving Illinois workers the training they need for the jobs of today’s economy.” 

Illinois businesses added jobs in eight metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+3.0%, +1,700), Kankakee (+1.8%, +800), Peoria (+1.6%, +2,800) and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+0.8% or +29,500). The metro areas showing the largest over-the-year decrease in total nonfarm jobs were Bloomington (-1.7%, -1,600), Danville (-1.1%, -300) and Champaign-Urbana (-0.5%, -600). 

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (9 of 14), Professional and Business Services (9 of 14), and Government (8 of 14). 

Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2019 with March 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.5 percent in March 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 3.9 percent in March 2019 and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

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Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – March 2019

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