Jobs Up in 7 of 14 Metro Areas in November

Contact: Rebeca Cisco  |  217-524-1219  |  PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in seven metropolitan areas and decreased in seven for the year ending November 2024, 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 seven areas, decreased in five, and was unchanged in two.

“As job growth reaches across the state, we remain committed to investing in the necessary tools and resources for the state’s strong economic landscape,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “IDES continues to assist in matching jobseekers with employers to ensure both are finding the right fit for their needs.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.7%, +2,200), the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.3%, +800), the Rockford MSA (+1.2%, +1,800), and the Springfield MSA (+1.2%, +1,300).  The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (-1.5%, -400) and the Peoria MSA (-1.2%, -2,100).  Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metropolitan Division were down -0.2% or -6,700. Industries that saw job growth in most of the metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (fourteen areas); Other Services (twelve areas); and Government (eleven areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+1.3 points to 5.0%), the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (+1.0 point to 5.0%), and the Danville MSA (+0.6 point to 5.9%).  The metro area with the largest unemployment rate decrease was the Rockford MSA (-0.4 percentage point to 5.2%).  There was no unemployment rate change in the Carbondale-Marion MSA and Decatur MSA.

Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - See PDF

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - November 2024  - See PDF

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program.  To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.