Unemployment rates were down over-the-year in all but one of Illinois’s metro areas. Five of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, eight reported declines, and one was unchanged, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
“Declining unemployment rates relative to a year ago aren’t good news when they reflect declining labor force rather than growing employment,” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “More disconcerting is the weakening employment growth across the metro areas; even Chicago-area growth is moderating.”
Illinois businesses added jobs in five metro areas, with the largest increases in: Lake (+1.0 percent, +3,900), Kankakee (+0.7 percent, +300), and St. Louis (+0.3 percent, +600). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.3 percent or +10,500). Illinois businesses lost jobs in eight metro areas including Rockford (-2.3 percent, -3,500), Carbondale-Marion (-2.2 percent, -1,300), and Decatur (-1.2 percent, -600). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included just Educational and Health Services (eight of 14).
Not seasonally adjusted data compares April 2017 with April 2016. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.4 percent in April 2017 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in April 2017 and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work, and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – April 2017
| Metropolitan Area | Apr. | Apr. | Over-the-Year Change | |
| Bloomington MSA | 94,600 | 94,900 | -300 | |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 57,600 | 58,900 | -1,300 | |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 111,700 | 112,200 | -500 | |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,703,800 | 3,693,300 | 10,500 | |
| Danville MSA | 28,600 | 28,900 | -300 | |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 182,800 | 183,300 | -500 | |
| Decatur MSA | 51,500 | 52,100 | -600 | |
| Elgin Metro Division | 251,200 | 253,200 | -2,000 | |
| Kankakee MSA | 44,500 | 44,200 | 300 | |
| Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 409,800 | 405,900 | 3,900 | |
| Peoria MSA | 175,900 | 175,700 | 200 | |
| Rockford MSA | 148,400 | 151,900 | -3,500 | |
| Springfield MSA | 115,800 | 115,800 | 0 | |
| Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 238,600 | 238,000 | 600 | |
| Illinois Statewide | 6,011,800 | 6,006,400 | 5,400 | |
| *Preliminary **Revised | ||||
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
April2017 | April 2016 | Over-the-Year Change | |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 4.4% | 5.6% | -1.2 |
| Jackson County | 3.9% | 5.1% | -1.2 |
| Williamson County | 4.8% | 6.0% | -1.2 |
| Other Area Counties | |||
| Alexander County | 7.0% | 8.4% | -1.4 |
| Franklin County | 6.1% | 7.8% | -1.7 |
| Johnson County | 6.4% | 7.8% | -1.4 |
| Massac County | 5.9% | 6.6% | -0.7 |
| Perry County | 5.4% | 6.6% | -1.2 |
| Pulaski County | 7.7% | 8.3% | -0.6 |
| Randolph County | 3.8% | 4.7% | -0.9 |
| Union County | 6.0% | 6.9% | -0.9 |
| Harrisburg Area | |||
| Gallatin County | 5.2% | 7.5% | -2.3 |
| Hamilton County | 4.3% | 6.1% | -1.8 |
| Hardin County | 6.8% | 8.9% | -2.1 |
| Pope County | 5.6% | 6.2% | -0.6 |
| Saline County | 5.7% | 8.7% | -3.0 |
| White County | 4.5% | 6.6% | -2.1 |
| Olney – Mt. Carmel Area | |||
| Edwards County | 3.7% | 5.7% | -2.0 |
| Lawrence County | 5.6% | 6.7% | -1.1 |
| Richland County | 4.1% | 6.1% | -2.0 |
| Wabash County | 4.9% | 5.8% | -0.9 |
| Wayne County | 6.0% | 8.2% | -2.2 |
Southern Illinois Highlights
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in April 2017 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). In April 2016, the jobless rate was 5.6 percent. Workforce conditions improved in spring 2017 throughout Southern Illinois. Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois compared to one year ago.
Employment gains were reported in Leisure-Hospitality and Financial Activities this spring in Southern Illinois. Construction and Other Services payrolls also increased. Over the year, employment increases were reported in Retail Trade, Health Care Services and Professional-Business Services. Payroll losses continued in both State and Local Government.
Numerous employment opportunities were advertised in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in the spring of 2017. Many job openings were available in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Social Services, Health Care Support, Business-Financial, and Production. Workers were also needed for Construction, Installation, Maintenance, and Repair and Building and Ground Maintenance jobs.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
