Job Losses Reported in More than Half of the Metro Areas in Illinois

 Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO–Unemployment rates were down over-the-year in all but one of Illinois’s metro areas. Six of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs and eight reported declines, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

“This month’s report almost mirrors last month’s,” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “The only difference is the overall increase in jobs is down when compared to last month. Even though the unemployment rate is lower, we still don’t have enough people working.”

Illinois businesses added jobs in six metro areas, in which the largest increases were seen in: Kankakee (+1.1 percent, +500), Elgin (+0.6 percent, +1,500), and Springfield (+0.6 percent, +700). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.8 percent or +28,500). Illinois businesses lost jobs in eight metro areas including Carbondale-Marion (-2.6 percent, -1,500), Rockford (-2.3 percent, -3,500), and Peoria (-1.5 percent, -2,600). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas were: Education and Health Services (10 of 14), Professional and Business Services (nine of 14) and Mining and Construction (eight of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2017 with March 2016. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.7 percent in March 2017 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in March 2017 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.

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – March 2017

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

* Unemployment rates for cities with total population of 25,000 or more can be found atwww.ides.illinois.gov/LMI/Pages/Current_Monthly_Unemployment_Rates.aspx

Lake & Kenosha Counties, IL-WI Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in March 2017 from 6.0 percent in March 2016. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2001 when it was 4.8 percent. For the month of March 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 22,900.

Total nonfarm employment declined -1,700 compared to March 2016. The Leisure-Hospitality (-3,200) and Professional-Business Services (-2,200) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Manufacturing (+1,400), Government (+700), and Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+700) sectors reported the largest payroll gains.

Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in March 2017 from 6.3 percent in March 2016. The March 2017 unemployment rate of 4.2 percent is the lowest March unemployment rate since 1990. For the month of March 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 158,900.

Total nonfarm employment increased +28,500 compared to March 2016. Financial Activities (+10,200), Leisure-Hospitality (+9,200), and Educational-Health Services (+7,900) reported the largest payroll gains. The Manufacturing (-1,800), Construction (-1,500), and Retail Trade (-1,100) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Elgin, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.4 percent in March 2017 from 6.4 percent in March 2016. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2007 when it was 4.3 percent. For the month of March 2017, the estimated number of unemployed people in the labor force was 17,400.

Total nonfarm employment increased +1,500 compared to March 2016. Educational-Health Services (+1,300), Government (+1,000), and Wholesale Trade (+800) reported the largest payroll gains. Construction (-600), Leisure-Hospitality
(-600), Manufacturing (-300), and Other Services
(-300) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

South Central Illinois Highlights

Workforce conditions improved in March 2017 throughout South Central Illinois compared to one year ago. All eighteen counties reported a decline in unemployment. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Favorable weather conditions boosted Construction activity. Employment in Business-Professional Services and Leisure-Hospitality increased in March 2017. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Manufacturing, Transportation and Health Services in South Central Illinois. Mining, Information, and State and Local Government employment continued to steadily decrease in South Central Illinois.

Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Sales, Transportation, and Office and Administrative Support in the spring of 2017. Many job openings were advertised in Management, Food Preparation, Engineering, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Finance, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair.

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.