Jobs Up in Most Metro Areas in September

Contact: Rebecca Cisco | 217.524.1219
Accessible Word Version

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decreased in three for the year ending September 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 all fourteen metropolitan areas.

“The consistently expanding labor market and employment opportunities throughout the state continue to instill confidence and motivation into workers and jobseekers looking for their next employment opportunities,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES and its workforce partners continue to provide critical employment and reemployment services to match individuals with the right employers to take advantage of the expanding labor market.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (+3.7%, +1,000), the Elgin Metro Division (+2.5%, +6,500), and the Bloomington MSA (+1.6%, +1,600). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metropolitan Division were up +1.4% or +51,200. Total nonfarm jobs were down in the Kankakee MSA (-0.7%, -300), the Rockford MSA (-0.7%, -1,000), and the Decatur MSA (-0.6%, -300). Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Education and Health Services (thirteen areas); Leisure and Hospitality and Government (twelve areas each); and Other Services (nine areas).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Rockford MSA (+2.1 points to 6.9%), the Danville MSA (+1.9 points to 6.3%), and the Decatur MSA (+1.9 points to 6.7%). The Chicago Metro Division unemployment rate increased +0.1 point to 4.7%.

Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - see Word Document-

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted)- September 2023 - see Word Document -