The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES) suggests a minor positive shift in employment trends in Illinois with jobs rising in the majority of metropolitan areas in July. As reported by the State of Illinois, job numbers have increased in nine metro areas, dipped in three, and remained steady in two over the past year ending in July 2024. Despite the job market's uptick, there exists an overall upsurge in the unemployment rates across all fourteen surveyed metropolitan areas.
As stated by the State of Illinois, Deputy Governor Andy Manar asserted, "Long-term, consistent job growth throughout the state continues to fuel and motivate eager jobseekers and employers to actively engage in the expanding economy." He went on to affirm Illinois' dedication to "continue its critical investments in our unique, diverse, and world class workforce and labor market."
Leading the charge in employment gains are the Champaign-Urbana MSA, witnessing a 4.5% increase equivalent to 5,300 jobs, the Carbondale-Marion MSA with a 2.3% hike that translates into 1,300 jobs, and the Bloomington MSA which saw a 0.7% rise, adding 700 jobs to its economy. The Chicago Metro Division, meanwhile, saw a marginal climb in jobs by +0.1% or +4,900. On the contrary, the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA, Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro Division, and the Danville MSA experienced decreases in nonfarm jobs with the former leading the losses at -1.7%, shedding 3,100 jobs.
Diverse sectors have bolstered the job market where Private Education and Health Services, trailed by the Government, have emerged as the top industries, adding jobs in ten metro areas each. The Wholesale Trade contributed in nine areas; meanwhile, Mining and Construction along with Other Services both augmented job numbers in eight metro areas. The largest increases in unemployment rates were noted in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division, spiking by 2.0 points to 6.4%, the Danville MSA climbing by 1.6 points to 7.9%, and the Bloomington MSA which rose by 1.2 points to 5.5%.
For more detailed insights into the job market landscape in Illinois, the full report can be accessed at the Illinois Department of Employment Security website.
