Chicago Construction News staff writer
The unemployment rate decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in January according to preliminary data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Jobs were up in all metro areas except one.
“Metro areas throughout the state continue to experience consistent job growth across industry sectors,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “As new jobs are added statewide and across industries, jobseekers and employers are encouraged to take advantage of the services and resources IDES offers in connecting workers and employers.”
The metro areas with the largest percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were Peoria (4.2%, +6,900), Springfield (+3.6%, +3,800) and Rockford (+3.5%, +4,900). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metropolitan Division were up +2.7% or +99,300.
Industries with increased jobs in the majority of metro areas included mining and construction – in 13 areas.
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were Rockford (-2.5 points to 5.8%), Decatur (-1.6 points to 5.4%), and Carbondale-Marion (-1.1 points to 4.3%). The Chicago Metropolitan Division unemployment rate decreased -0.5 point to 4.7%. The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in 98 counties, increased in 3 and was unchanged in one.
