Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
| Metropolitan Area | Feb. 2017 | Feb. 2016 | Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington | 4.8% | 5.8% | -1.0 |
| Carbondale-Marion | 5.6% | 6.5% | -0.9 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 5.0% | 5.7% | -0.7 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | 5.1% | 6.5% | -1.4 |
| Danville | 7.2% | 7.8% | -0.6 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 5.3% | 6.3% | -1.0 |
| Decatur | 6.3% | 7.4% | -1.1 |
| Elgin | 6.0% | 6.6% | -0.6 |
| Kankakee | 6.6% | 7.6% | -1.0 |
| Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI | 5.6% | 6.1% | -0.5 |
| Peoria | 6.7% | 7.4% | -0.7 |
| Rockford | 9.0% | 7.5% | 1.5 |
| Springfield | 5.0% | 5.7% | -0.7 |
| St. Louis (IL-Section) | 5.2% | 6.6% | -1.4 |
| Illinois Statewide | 5.5% | 6.6% | -1.1 |
* Data subject to revision. |
CHICAGO–All but one of Illinois’ metropolitan (metro) areas experienced decreases in their over-the-year unemployment rate. Six of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, eight reported declines, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
“More than half of the metro areas statewide lost jobs,” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “Of all the nonfarm jobs gained over the last year, less than 10 percent were outside of the Chicago metro area.”
Illinois businesses added jobs in six metro areas, in which the largest increases were seen in: Kankakee (+2.3 percent, +1,000), and Springfield (+1.1 percent, +1,200). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+1.1 percent or +38,500). Illinois businesses lost jobs in eight metro areas including Carbondale-Marion (-2.6 percent, -1,500), Peoria (-2.2 percent, -3,900), Rockford (-2.1 percent, -3,200). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas were: Education and Health Services (ten of 14), Professional and Business Services (nine of 14) and Financial Activities (eight of 14).
Not seasonally adjusted data compares February 2017 with February 2016. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.5 percent in February 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 4.9 percent in February 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) – February 2017
| Metropolitan Area | Feb. | Feb. | Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington MSA | 93,200 | 93,500 | -300 |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 56,300 | 57,800 | -1,500 |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 109,300 | 109,200 | 100 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,672,900 | 3,634,400 | 38,500 |
| Danville MSA | 28,400 | 28,900 | -500 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 179,800 | 179,400 | 400 |
| Decatur MSA | 50,500 | 51,000 | -500 |
| Elgin Metro Division | 247,500 | 247,200 | 300 |
| Kankakee MSA | 44,400 | 43,400 | 1,000 |
| Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 396,200 | 399,600 | -3,400 |
| Peoria MSA | 170,900 | 174,800 | -3,900 |
| Rockford MSA | 145,700 | 148,900 | -3,200 |
| Springfield MSA | 113,700 | 112,500 | 1,200 |
| Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 232,500 | 232,600 | -100 |
| Illinois Statewide | 5,945,400 | 5,903,500 | 41,900 |
| *Preliminary **Revised | |||
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Feb. 2017 | Feb. 2016 | Over-the-Year Change | |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 5.6% | 6.5% | -0.9 |
| Jackson County | 5.1% | 6.0% | -0.9 |
| Williamson County | 6.0% | 6.9% | -0.9 |
| Other Area Counties | |||
| Alexander County | 7.8% | 9.7% | -1.9 |
| Franklin County | 7.6% | 9.3% | -1.7 |
| Johnson County | 8.6% | 9.6% | -1.0 |
| Massac County | 7.1% | 7.5% | -0.4 |
| Perry County | 7.0% | 7.7% | -0.7 |
| Pulaski County | 8.8% | 10.5% | -1.7 |
| Randolph County | 5.0% | 5.8% | -0.8 |
| Union County | 8.0% | 9.0% | -1.0 |
| Harrisburg Area | |||
| Gallatin County | 6.5% | 8.8% | -2.3 |
| Hamilton County | 5.8% | 8.1% | -1.3 |
| Hardin County | 9.2% | 11.0% | -1.8 |
| Pope County | 7.4% | 7.6% | -0.2 |
| Saline County | 7.2% | 10.1% | -2.9 |
| White County | 6.0% | 7.6% | -1.6 |
| Olney – Mt. Carmel Area | |||
| Edwards County | 5.7% | 7.3% | -1.6 |
| Lawrence County | 7.6% | 7.5% | 0.1 |
| Richland County | 5.8% | 6.8% | -1.0 |
| Wabash County | 6.3% | 6.9% | -0.6 |
| Wayne County | 7.7% | 9.5% | -1.8 |
Southern Illinois Highlights
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in February 2017 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). In February 2016, the jobless rate was 6.5 percent. Labor market conditions moderately improved in early 2017 throughout Southern Illinois. Unemployment decreased in 20 of 21 counties in Southern Illinois compared to one year ago.
Mild winter weather permitted building activity to proceed on many projects. Leisure-Hospitality and Retail businesses also benefited from the favorable weather conditions in Southern Illinois. Over the year, employment increases were reported in Health Care Services and in Professional-Business Services. Mining and Government payroll losses continued this past year throughout Southern Illinois.
Numerous employment opportunities were advertised in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales at the beginning of 2017. Many job openings were available in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Social Services, and Health Care Support. Workers were also needed for Installation, Maintenance, and Repair and Productions 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.
