News Items - Greater Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
Unemployment Rates Drop in All Metro Areas - Job Growth Uneven
February was the twelfth month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

February was the twelfth month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Rates also fell in all 102 counties for the eleventh consecutive month and the twelfth time out of the past fourteen months. Not seasonally adjusted data compares February 2015 with February 2014.
 
Illinois businesses added jobs in nine metros. Largest increases: Danville (+3.5 percent, +1,000), Champaign-Urbana (+2.3 percent, +2,400) and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division (+1.7 percent, +58,200). Decreases: Carbondale-Marion (-0.7 percent, -400), Bloomington (-0.5 percent, -500) and Peoria (-0.5 percent,
-900). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Retail Trade (10 of 14), Government (9 of 14), Mining and Construction (8 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (8 of 14) and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).
 
“More Illinoisans are finding work as unemployment rates continue falling across the state. However, over-the-year, nearly 85 percent of the state’s job growth occurred in the northeastern part of the state. This regional job growth has masked losses in Peoria, Bloomington, Carbondale-Marion and the Quad Cities.” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “Job growth needs to occur in all areas for a successful recovery.”
 
The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 6.5 percent in February 2015 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in February 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.
 
Metropolitan Area Feb. 2015 Feb. 2014 Over-the-Year Change
Bloomington 5.0% 6.8% -1.8
Carbondale-Marion 6.2% 8.6% -2.4
Champaign-Urbana 5.2% 7.4% -2.2
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights 6.6% 8.8% -2.2
Danville 7.2% 10.9% -3.7
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL 6.0% 7.4% -1.4
Decatur 7.3% 11.1% -3.8
Elgin 6.3% 8.9% -2.6
Kankakee 7.2% 10.4% -3.2
Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI 6.0% 8.4% -2.4
Peoria 6.6% 9.1% -2.5
Rockford 7.0% 10.0% -3.0
Springfield 5.6% 7.5% -1.9
St. Louis (IL-Section) 6.3% 9.1% -2.8
Illinois Statewide 6.5% 8.8% -2.3
* Data subject to revision.      























 

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – February 2015

Metropolitan Area February
2015*
February
2014**
Over-the-Year Change
Bloomington MSA 94,200 94,700 -500
Carbondale-Marion MSA 53,600 54,000 -400
Champaign-Urbana MSA 108,500 106,100 2,400
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Div. 3,549,200 3,491,000 58,200
Danville MSA 29,400 28,400 1,000
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA 179,200 179,600 -400
Decatur MSA 49,700 49,800 -100
Elgin Metro Division 245,400 241,600 3,800
Kankakee MSA 44,100 43,500 600
Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro Div. 389,400 385,800 3,600
Peoria MSA 174,000 174,900 -900
Rockford MSA 148,900 146,500 2,400
Springfield MSA 110,000 108,600 1,400
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA 225,900 225,100 800
Illinois Statewide 5,809,400 5,732,100 77,300
                  *Preliminary    **Revised
 
Southern Illinois Highlights
 
Unemployment declined to 6.2 percent in February 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). The February 2014 unemployment rate for the Carbondale-Marion MSA was 8.6 percent. Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Overall, labor market conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Employment gains were reported in Professional-Business Services and Health Care. Payroll gains also occurred in Transportation and Wholesale Trade. In mid-winter, seasonal layoffs continued in Retail Trade, Leisure-hospitality, and Construction.

Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, and Transportation in February 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Sales, and Management occupations. Career prospects were also available in Education, Finance, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations.
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.

The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas

 
  Feb.
2015
Feb.
2014
Over-the-Year Change
Carbondale-Marion MSA 6.2% 8.6% -2.4
Jackson County 5.9% 8.0% -2.1
Williamson County 6.4% 9.1% -2.7
Other Area Counties      
Alexander County 8.1% 12.7% -4.6
Franklin County 7.9% 11.6% -3.7
Johnson County 8.7% 12.3% -3.6
Massac County 7.2% 9.1% -1.9
Perry County 7.6% 11.0% -3.4
Pulaski County 8.6% 13.1% -4.5
Randolph County 5.8% 8.9% -3.1
Union County 8.3% 11.6% -3.3
Harrisburg Area      
Gallatin County 6.4% 9.3% -2.9
Hamilton County 5.8% 8.0% -2.2
Hardin County 7.5% 9.8% -2.3
Pope County 6.6% 9.4% -2.8
Saline County 6.8% 10.3% -3.5
White County 5.7% 7.6% -1.9
Olney - Mt. Carmel Area      
Edwards County 6.8% 9.3% -2.5
Lawrence County 6.8% 9.7% -2.9
Richland County 6.7% 8.5% -1.8
Wabash County 5.9% 8.1% -2.2
Wayne County 6.9% 8.4% -1.5


Published: 03/31/15