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Announcement – Thursday, April 9, 2026
Chicago Metro Begins 2026 with Record Number of Monthly Jobs, Nearly 5 Years of Year-Over-Year Growth
Unemployment Rate Ticks Up for Every Metro Area in January
Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219
SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 7 metropolitan areas and increased in 5, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (58 consecutive months) and Champaign (12 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending January 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
“Chicago’s continued job growth underscores the resilience of Illinois’ economy, but rising unemployment across metro areas reflects broader uncertainty fueled by shifting federal policies and economic instability,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “We are staying focused on maintaining growth, supporting employers, and investing in Illinois’ workforce.”
The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (-2.0%, -2,100) and a tie between the Decatur MSA (-1.3%, -600) and the Rockford MSA (-1.3%, -1,800). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.7%, +1,900), the Peoria MSA (+0.7%, +1,200), and the Lake County Metro Division (+0.6%, +2,000). Nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division were up +14,100 (+0.4%). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Mining and Construction (eleven areas), Private Education and Health Services (nine areas), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities and Government (seven areas each).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were a tie between the Kankakee MSA (+1.0 point to 7.2%) and the Rockford MSA (+1.0 point to 6.7%), followed by a tie between the Decatur MSA (+0.9 point to 6.7%) and the Elgin MSA (+0.9 point to 6.0%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 91 counties, decreased in 4 counties, and was unchanged in 7 counties.
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
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| Metropolitan Area | January 2026* | January 2025** | Over-the-Year Change |
|---|
*Preliminary | ** Revised
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - January 2026
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| Metropolitan Area | January 2026 * | January 2025** | Over-the-Year Change |
|---|
*Preliminary | ** Revised
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.