Jobs Up in Majority of Metro Areas in October

Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219 | PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas and decreased in six for the year ending October 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in six areas, increased in six, and was unchanged in two.

"Illinois continues to benefit from job growth and positive economic trends in every corner of the state," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "As payroll expansion continues to motivate eager jobseekers, IDES and its local area workforce partners remain focused on providing the necessary services and tools to get workers matched with employers."

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (+1.9%, +2,000), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.7%, +2,100) and the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.3%, +800). The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (-1.8%, -500) and the Peoria MSA (-1.1%, - 1,900). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metro Division were nearly unchanged (0.0%, -600). Industries that saw job growth in most of the metro areas included: Government (twelve areas); Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas); Other Services (nine areas); and Mining and Construction (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were the Rockford MSA (-0.7 percentage point to 5.4%), the Decatur MSA (-0.3 percentage point to 5.8%) and the Kankakee MSA (-0.3 percentage point to 5.4%). The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago Metro (+1.2 points to 5.5%), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+0.7 point to 5.4%), the Danville MSA (+0.4 point to 6.2%), and the Bloomington MSA (+0.4 point to 4.3%). There was no unemployment rate change in the Carbondale-Marion MSA and Elgin Metropolitan Division.