Most Metro Areas Continue Adding Jobs - Unemployment rate up in thirteen metros

For Immediate Release | Friday, January 25, 2019 (PDF version)

Contact: Bob Gough Phone: 217-685-4454 Bob.Gough@illinois.gov

CHICAGO (1/25/19) - Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in December in thirteen of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, and decreased in one, 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 nonfarm jobs increased in twelve of the metropolitan areas.

“The new administration is committed to growing the economy and creating good jobs in regions across the state,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “Governor Prizker has taken action in his first weeks in office to support working families and help prepare workers for employment in growing industries. Our top priority is getting the state’s economy back on track and the governor looks forward to continuing to work with business leaders and workers to build a thriving state.”

Illinois businesses added jobs in twelve metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Kankakee (+5.0 percent, +2,400), Lake-Kenosha (+2.3 percent, +9,700), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (+1.2 percent, +2,200), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+1.1 percent, +41,500). The Springfield MSA saw a decrease over-the-year (-0.4 percent, -400).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (10 of 14),

Education and Health Services (10 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (10 of 14), Mining and Construction (9 of 14), Manufacturing (9 of 14), Professional and Business Services (9 of 14), and Wholesale Trade (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares December 2018 with December 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.4 percent in December 2018 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in December 2018 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.​

Tables:

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – December 2018​

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