Jobs Up in Most Metro Areas in October

Contact: Rebeca Cisco

217-524-1219

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SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decreased in three for the  year ending October 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one.

“With consistent gains in payroll jobs, jobseekers and employers continue to find new opportunities to land their next jobs and fill open positions,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “Further investments in workforce development throughout the state, coupled with the employment resources provided by IDES and its partners, continue to provide a strong foundation for the Illinois labor market.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (+3.0%, +800), the Elgin Metro Division (+2.2%, +5,900), and the Springfield MSA (+1.6%, +1,800). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metro were up +0.7% or +26,200. Total nonfarm jobs were down in the  Kankakee MSA (-1.1%, -500), the Decatur MSA (-0.8%, -400), and the Rockford MSA (-0.8%, -1,200). Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Government (thirteen areas); Education and Health Services and Leisure and Hospitality (eleven areas each); and Other Services (nine areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+1.5 percentage points to 4.9%), the Decatur MSA (+1.2 percentage points to 6.1%), and the Rockford MSA (+1.2 points to 6.1%). The ChicagoNaperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division unemployment rate fell -0.1 point to 4.4%.

Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - See PDF

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - October 2023  - See PDF