SPRINGFIELD –The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in May in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas, with six metro areas at record low payrolls, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also shows that the unemployment rate increased over-the-year in all metro areas to record highs for the month of May. The official, BLS-approved sub-state unemployment rate and nonfarm jobs series begins in 1990. Data reported prior to 1990 are not directly comparable due to updates in methodology.
“Illinois’ transition into Phase 4 of the Reopen Illinois Plan is another positive step toward the recovery of our state and local economies,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “We will continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and make necessary adjustments to ensure the health and safety of our citizens while continuing to provide families and small businesses the resources they need for recovery.”
Data shows the number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-16.7%, -28,800), Decatur (-14.7%, -7,600) and Elgin (-14.5%, -38,500). Jobs were down -12.0% (-455,200) in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights. Job losses occurred across all industries and there were no industry sectors that recorded job growth in a majority of metro areas.
Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2020 with May 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 14.7 percent in May 2020, a record high for the month of May, dating back to 1976. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 13.0 percent in May 2020, also a record high, dating back to 1948. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment.
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
| Metropolitan Area | May 2020* | May 2019** | Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington | 10.9% | 3.2% | 7.7 |
| Carbondale-Marion | 15.0% | 3.4% | 11.6 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 10.0% | 3.2% | 6.8 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | 15.4% | 3.3% | 12.1 |
| Danville | 14.8% | 4.2% | 10.6 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 14.1% | 3.5% | 10.6 |
| Decatur | 14.8% | 4.3% | 10.5 |
| Elgin | 14.7% | 3.5% | 11.2 |
| Kankakee | 13.3% | 4.0% | 9.3 |
| Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI | 12.9% | 3.3% | 9.6 |
| Peoria | 15.2% | 3.8% | 11.4 |
| Rockford | 19.3% | 5.1% | 14.2 |
| Springfield | 13.0% | 3.3% | 9.7 |
| St. Louis (IL-Section) | 13.3% | 3.4% | 9.9 |
| Illinois Statewide | 14.7% | 3.5% | 11.2 |
| * Preliminary I ** Revised |
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – May 2020
| Metropolitan Area | May | May | Over-the-Year |
2020* | 2019** | Change | |
| Bloomington MSA | 83,000 | 92,900 | -9,900 |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 52,500 | 58,100 | -5,600 |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 105,200 | 115,400 | -10,200 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,351,900 | 3,807,100 | -455,200 |
| Danville MSA | 25,000 | 27,300 | -2,300 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 168,600 | 188,800 | -20,200 |
| Decatur MSA | 44,000 | 51,600 | -7,600 |
| Elgin Metro Division | 226,500 | 265,000 | -38,500 |
| Kankakee MSA | 43,400 | 45,800 | -2,400 |
| Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 373,700 | 424,800 | -51,100 |
| Peoria MSA | 143,800 | 172,600 | -28,800 |
| Rockford MSA | 131,000 | 151,100 | -20,100 |
| Springfield MSA | 97,700 | 111,000 | -13,300 |
| Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 227,200 | 243,300 | -16,100 |
| Illinois Statewide | 5,419,700 | 6,158,200 | -738,500 |
| *Preliminary | **Revised |
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Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Labor Market Area | May 2020 | May 2019 | Over the Year Change | |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 15.0 % | 3.4 % | 11.6 | |
| Jackson County | 13.0 % | 3.2 % | 9.8 | |
| Williamson County | 16.7 % | 3.6 % | 13.1 | |
| Surrounding Counties | ||||
| Alexander County | 14.1 % | 5.0 % | 9.1 | |
| Franklin County | 19.1 % | 4.6 % | 14.5 | |
| Johnson County | 14.6 % | 4.9 % | 9.7 | |
| Massac County | 16.5 % | 4.9 % | 11.6 | |
| Perry County | 18.4 % | 4.3 % | 14.1 | |
| Pulaski County | 15.5 % | 5.4 % | 10.1 | |
| Randolph County | 13.4 % | 3.0 % | 10.4 | |
| Union County | 12.1 % | 4.8 % | 7.3 | |
| Harrisburg Area | ||||
| Gallatin County | 13.3 % | 4.1 % | 9.2 | |
| Hamilton County | 12.8 % | 3.0 % | 9.8 | |
| Hardin County | 11.6 % | 5.8 % | 5.8 | |
| Pope County | 12.1 % | 4.9 % | 7.2 | |
| Saline County | 15.8 % | 4.5 % | 11.3 | |
| White County | 13.2 % | 3.2 % | 10.0 | |
| Olney – Mt. Carmel Area | ||||
| Edwards County | 15.3 % | 3.1 % | 12.2 | |
| Lawrence County | 16.1 % | 4.5 % | 11.6 | |
| Richland County | 11.5 % | 3.4 % | 8.1 | |
| Wabash County | 18.1 % | 3.3 % | 14.8 | |
| Wayne County | 15.5 % | 4.0 % | 11.5 | |
| Other Areas | ||||
| LWIA 23 | 12.7 % | 3.4 % | 9.3 | |
| LWIA 24 | 13.7 % | 3.4 % | 10.3 | |
| LWIA 25 | 16.7 % | 3.7 % | 13.0 | |
| LWIA 26 | 14.7 % | 4.2 % | 10.5 | |
| Southern EDR | 16.0 % | 3.9 % | 12.1 | |
Southern Illinois Highlights
Carbondale – Marion Area
Nonfarm employment in May 2020 decreased by -5,600 compared to May 2019. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year to 15.0 percent.
Employment losses were posted in Government (-700).
Surrounding Counties
May 2020 nonfarm employment decreased by -2,950 compared to May 2019.
Payrolls posted declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-1,050), Manufacturing (-700), Educational and Health Services (-325), Professional and Business Services (-225), Other Services (-225), Government (-175), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-75), Construction (-50), and Financial Activities (-50).
No payroll changes were reported in Information.
Harrisburg Area
Nonfarm employment decreased by -1,325 over-the-year.
Employment gains were posted in Professional and Business Services (+75), Information (+25) and Financial Activities (+25).
Payrolls posted declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-400), Natural Resources and Mining (-325), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-200), Manufacturing (-175), Other Services (-150), Construction (-100), Educational and Health Services (-50) and Government (-25).
Olney – Mt. Carmel Area
Nonfarm employment decreased by -900 over the year.
Employment gains were posted in Government (+125), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+125), and Information (+25).
Employment declined in Manufacturing (-575), Leisure and Hospitality (-300), Other Services (-125), Construction (-25), Professional and Business Services (-25) and Financial Activities (-25). Natural Resources and Mining showed no change in employment over-the-year.
Note: Monthly 2019 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2020, as required by the U.S. BLS. Comments and tables distributed for prior metro area news releases should be discarded as any records or historical analysis previously cited may no longer be valid. The official monthly unemployment rate series for metro areas, counties and most cities begins in 1990. The official monthly nonfarm jobs series for metro areas begins in 1990 and for non-metropolitan counties it begins in 1999.
