Unemployment Rate Down for Nearly All Metros in July

Chicago Sets New Record of Jobs for the Month of July

Contact: Rebeca Cisco  |  217-524-1219

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 4 metropolitan areas, including a record number of jobs for Chicago and eight consecutive months of year-over-year growth for Lake County, and decreased in 8 areas.  Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 metro areas and increased in 1 for the year ending July 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).

“Illinois’ economy continues to show its resilience, with Chicago reaching a record number of jobs and Lake County marking eight months of job growth in July, even in the face of ongoing instability of federal economic policies,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “These gains reflect the strength of Illinois workers and employers, and we will continue to prioritize investments that strengthen our workforce, support employers, and position Illinois for continued growth.”

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Illinois part of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA (-2.0%, -1,700), followed by a tie between the Elgin MSA (-1.3%, -3,800) and the Springfield MSA (-1.3%, -1,400).  The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Decatur MSA (+0.8%, +400), followed by a tie between the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.3%, +10,500), the Lake County Metro Division (+0.3%, +1,200) and the Peoria MSA (+0.3%, +500).  Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (10 areas), Mining and Construction (9 areas), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (7 areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment decreases were the Illinois part of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA (-1.5 point to 3.7%), followed by a tie between the Decatur MSA (-1.2 point to 4.9%) and Rockford MSA (-1.2 point to 4.3%).  The only metro area with an unemployment rate increase was the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.4 point to 5.2%).  The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in 96 counties and increased in 6.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates 

*Preliminary | ** Revised

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - July 2026

*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.