Illinois Metros See Minimal Job Growth; Seven Metro Areas Lose Jobs
Unemployment rates in Illinois fell in 12 metro areas, increased in one and remained the same in one. Seven metro areas across the state saw job loss 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).  Not seasonally adjusted data compares October 2015 with October 2014.
 
Illinois businesses lost jobs in seven metro areas including the Quad Cities (-2.1 percent, -3,900), Carbondale-Marion (-1.6 percent, -900), and Peoria (-1.0 percent, -1,800).  Illinois businesses added jobs in six metros, in which the largest increases were seen in: Danville (+1.7 percent, +500), Elgin (+1.6 percent, +4,200), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division (+1.4 percent or +49,600).  The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were: Retail Trade (nine of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (nine of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (eight of 14), and Education and Health Services (eight of 14).
 
“We are thankful for every single job we have gained since the national recovery began in July 2009,” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “However, at Thanksgiving 2015, too few Illinois residents are feeling this turnaround.”
 
The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.3 percent in October 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 October 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 6.1 percent in October 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties).  In October 2014, the jobless rate was also 6.1 percent. Unemployment decreased in 12 of 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Labor market conditions have stabilized during the past year in Southern Illinois.

Over the year, employment gains were reported in Retail Trade and Transportation. Employment in Health Care Services continued to increase. Payroll advances were also reported in Professional-Business Services and Leisure-Hospitality. Construction activity remained at significant levels throughout the fall of 2015. Mining and Government employment declined during the past year.

Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in the fall of 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Management and Production occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Food Service, Productions, Business and Finance, Social Services, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. Workers were also needed for Computer and Engineering 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.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
Metropolitan Area October 2015 October 2014 Over-the-Year Change
Bloomington 4.8% 5.0% -0.2
Carbondale-Marion 6.1% 6.1% 0.0
Champaign-Urbana 5.1% 5.3% -0.2
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights 5.0% 6.1% -1.1
Danville 6.9% 7.3% -0.4
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL 5.6% 5.8% -0.2
Decatur 6.8% 7.2% -0.4
Elgin 5.4% 5.7% -0.3
Kankakee 6.4% 6.7% -0.3
Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI 5.0% 5.4% -0.4
Peoria 6.6% 6.2% 0.4
Rockford 6.8% 7.0% -0.2
Springfield 5.1% 5.4% -0.3
St. Louis (IL-Section) 5.9% 6.3% -0.4
Illinois Statewide 5.3% 6.0% -0.7
* Data subject to revision.      
























 

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – October 2015

Metropolitan Area October
2015*
October
2014**
Over-the-Year Change
Bloomington MSA 96,200 95,500 700
Carbondale-Marion MSA 54,900 55,800 -900
Champaign-Urbana MSA 111,500 110,400 1,100
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division 3,668,400 3,618,800 49,600
Danville MSA 29,700 29,200 500
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA 180,900 184,800 -3,900
Decatur MSA 51,100 51,300 -200
Elgin Metro Division 259,500 255,300 4,200
Kankakee MSA 45,600 45,600 0
Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division 402,800 406,500 -3,700
Peoria MSA 178,600 180,400 -1,800
Rockford MSA 151,900 152,500 -600
Springfield MSA 113,500 112,300 1,200
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA 231,300 232,600 -1,300
Illinois Statewide 5,990,400 5,949,300 41,100
                  *Preliminary    **Revised

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

 
  Oct.
2015
Oct.
2014
Over-the-Year Change
Carbondale-Marion MSA 6.1% 6.1% 0.0
Jackson County 5.6% 5.9% -0.3
Williamson County 6.5% 6.3%  0.2
Other Area Counties      
Alexander County 8.4%  8.5% -0.1
Franklin County 8.1%     8.2% -0.1
Johnson County 8.3%  8.5% -0.2
Massac County 6.7%  7.1% -0.4
Perry County 6.9%  7.3% -0.4
Pulaski County 8.5%  8.7% -0.2
Randolph County 5.3%  5.8% -0.5
Union County 7.4%  7.4%  0.0
Harrisburg Area      
Gallatin County 7.3% 6.9%  0.4
Hamilton County 4.9% 5.1% -0.2
Hardin County 7.6% 7.7% -0.1
Pope County 6.6% 7.1% -0.5
Saline County 7.8% 7.0%  0.8
White County 5.7% 5.2%  0.5
Olney - Mt. Carmel Area      
Edwards County 5.3% 5.5% -0.2
Lawrence County 6.5% 6.4%  0.1
Richland County 6.2% 5.9%  0.3
Wabash County 5.5% 5.4%  0.1
Wayne County 6.4% 6.0%  0.4
 
Note:

Monthly 2014 unemployment rates and total non-farm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February 2015, as required by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (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.