Unemployment Down in Most Metro Areas in December

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

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in nine areas, increased in three and was unchanged in two for the year ending December 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, total nonfarm jobs increased in six metropolitan areas, decreased in five, and was unchanged or nearly unchanged in three.

“The Illinois labor force continues to see growth as payroll jobs remain steady and the market is ripe with employment opportunities across industry sectors,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “IDES is focused on providing the critical job matching services to employers and businesses who are eager to take advantage of the state’s economy.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+3.7%, +4,600), the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.9%, +1,100), and the Springfield MSA (+1.7%, +1,800).  The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Peoria MSA (-1.2%, -2,000), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-0.9%, -1,700), and the Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metro (-0.8%, -3,600).  Total nonfarm jobs were unchanged or nearly unchanged in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division, the Danville MSA and the IL part of the St. Louis MSA.  Industries that saw job growth in most of the metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (fourteen areas); Government (twelve areas); and Other Services (eleven areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were the Rockford MSA (-1.0 percentage point to 4.9%), the Kankakee MSA (-0.8 point to 5.0%), and the Champaign MSA (-0.6 point to 3.3%).  The metro areas with unemployment rate increases were the  Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+0.6 point to 4.5%), the Chicago Metro Division (+0.5 point to 4.3%), and the Peoria MSA (+0.1 point to 4.8%).  There was no unemployment rate change in the Bloomington and Danville MSAs.

Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - See PDF

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - December 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.