Jobs up in Twelve Metro Areas - Unemployment rate down in twelve metros

​For Immediate Release | Contact: Sam Salustro Phone: 312-550-1582 Sam.Salustro@illinois.gov PDF version​

6/27/19 - CHICAGO – The number of nonfarm jobs increased in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in two, 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 decreased over-the-year in May in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in two.

“Job growth was widespread across most metro areas in May as job opportunities and confidence in the economy continue to improve,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “Gov. Pritzker and his administration are building on this success with bold bipartisan investments that will help create and support more good jobs, whether it’s helping to rebuild our roads and bridges, teach students at our schools and universities or expanding broadband throughout the state.”

Illinois businesses added jobs in twelve metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion (+2.8%, +1,600), Lake-Kenosha (+2.3%, +9,700), Peoria (+1.9%, +3,300), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (+1.3%, +47,900). The metro areas showing over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were Danville (-1.1%, -300) and the Illinois section of the St. Louis metro area (-0.5%, -1,100).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Professional & Business Services (10 of 14), Leisure & Hospitality (10 of 14), Government (9 of 14), Mining & Construction (8 of 14), Manufacturing (8 of 14), and Education & Health Services (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2019 with May 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 3.6 percent in May 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 3.4 percent in May 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.

Tables - May 2019
​Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates & Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted)