Metro Area Unemployment Rates Continue Rising Illinois jobs decreased in six metropolitan areas and unemployment rates increased in eleven regions, according to data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Illinois jobs decreased in six metropolitan areas and unemployment rates increased in eleven regions, according to data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate remained the same in three areas and one metro area saw no change in non farm jobs. The not seasonally adjusted data compares over-the-year change from December 2015 with December 2014. Illinois businesses lost jobs in areas including the Quad Cities (-2.4 percent, -4,500), Decatur (-1.8 percent, -900), Carbondale-Marion (-1.3 percent, -700), and Lake-Kenosha (-1.3 percent, -5,100). Illinois businesses added jobs in seven metros including Elgin (+1.6 percent, +4,100), Champaign-Urbana (+0.8 percent, +900), Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division (+0.7 percent or +26,800), and Danville (+0.7 percent, +200). Two industries recorded job growth: Education and Health Services (nine sectors) and Leisure and Hospitality (eight sectors). “Illinois took another hit on jobs and many metro areas continue to absorb these hits,” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “Since the previous jobs peak in 2007, only three out of fourteen metro areas have regained the jobs lost during the recession.” The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.9 percent in December 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 4.8 percent in December 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. Southern Illinois Highlights The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.5 percent in December 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). In December 2014, the jobless rate was 6.0 percent. Unemployment increased throughout Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Over the year, employment advances were reported in Retail Trade and Transportation. Health Care Services continued to add workers. Payroll gains were also reported in Professional-Business Services and Wholesale Trade. Seasonal layoffs in Construction began in late fall of 2015. Mining, Financial Services, Information, and Government payrolls declined during 2015 in Southern Illinois. Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales at the end of 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Business and Finance, Engineering, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Workers were also needed for Production and Health Care Support occupations in December 2015. 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. Note:
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
|
Metropolitan Area | December 2015* |
December 2014** |
Over-the-Year Change |
Bloomington MSA | 95,100 | 95,000 | 100 |
Carbondale-Marion MSA | 54,500 | 55,200 | -700 |
Champaign-Urbana MSA | 110,600 | 109,700 | 900 |
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,658,100 | 3,631,300 | 26,800 |
Danville MSA | 29,700 | 29,500 | 200 |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 179,500 | 184,000 | -4,500 |
Decatur MSA | 50,300 | 51,200 | -900 |
Elgin Metro Division | 255,700 | 251,600 | 4,100 |
Kankakee MSA | 45,700 | 45,700 | 0 |
Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 396,400 | 401,500 | -5,100 |
Peoria MSA | 178,700 | 178,400 | 300 |
Rockford MSA | 152,000 | 152,300 | -300 |
Springfield MSA | 112,900 | 112,400 | 500 |
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 230,500 | 231,400 | -900 |
Illinois Statewide | 5,949,700 | 5,951,300 | -1,600 |
*Preliminary **Revised |
Dec. 2015 |
Dec. 2014 |
Over-the-Year Change | |
Carbondale-Marion MSA | 6.5% | 6.0% | 0.5 |
Jackson County | 6.0% | 5.7% 76.0% |
0.3 |
Williamson County | 6.9% | 6.2% | 0.7 |
Other Area Counties | |||
Alexander County | 8.8% | 8.8% | 0.0 |
Franklin County | 8.9% | 7.9% | 1.0 |
Johnson County | 9.5% | 8.4% | 1.1 |
Massac County | 7.0% | 7.1% | -0.1 |
Perry County | 7.6% | 7.1% | 0.5 |
Pulaski County | 9.4% | 8.5% | 0.9 |
Randolph County | 5.7% | 5.6% | 0.1 |
Union County | 9.0% | 7.7% | 1.3 |
Harrisburg Area | |||
Gallatin County | 7.2% | 6.4% | 0.8 |
Hamilton County | 5.6% | 5.1% | 0.5 |
Hardin County | 7.9% | 7.0% | 0.9 |
Pope County | 6.9% | 6.8% | 0.1 |
Saline County | 8.3% | 6.8% | 1.5 |
White County | 6.3% | 4.8% | 1.5 |
Olney - Mt. Carmel Area | |||
Edwards County | 6.5% | 5.9% | 0.6 |
Lawrence County | 7.1% | 6.3% | 0.8 |
Richland County | 6.5% | 5.9% | 0.6 |
Wabash County | 5.9% | 5.1% | 0.8 |
Wayne County | 7.5% | 6.0% | 1.5 |