(CHICAGO)- The number of non-farm jobs increased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in July, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Data also shows the unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in July in eleven Illinois metropolitan areas, increased in one and was unchanged in two.
“We are thrilled to announce that jobs grew in every metro area for the first time since May 2000 and this administration will continue to build on our momentum with policies that invest in our future,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes.
“That’s why Governor Pritzker worked hard to pass a balanced budget that makes historic investments in education and a bipartisan capital bill that will help grow our economy for years to come.”
Illinois businesses added jobs in all fourteen metro areas, with the largest percentage increases in: Carbondale-Marion, (+2.3%), Lake – Kenosha (+2.3%), Danville (+2.2%), and Rockford (+2.0%). The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights metro division was up (+1.3%).
The Peoria area unemployment rate in July was 4.5 percent, down from 5.1 percent a year ago.
The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Leisure and Hospitality (13 of 14), Mining and Construction (10 of 14), Government (9 of 14), Manufacturing (8 of 14), Professional and Business Services (8 of 14) and Education and Health Services (8 of 14).
Not seasonally adjusted data compares July 2019 with July 2018. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.2 percent in July 2019 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010.
Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in July 2019 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.
