Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in February in 13 of Illinois's metropolitan areas and was unchanged in one, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eleven of the metropolitan areas.

"It's certainly a robust start to 2018 with declining unemployment rates in most areas," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "In fact, the February unemployment rate in thirteen of the metros is the lowest it has been since at least 2000."

Illinois businesses added jobs in eleven metro areas, with the largest increases in: Rockford (+5.3 percent, +7,500), Kankakee (+4.2 percent, +1,900), and Elgin (+2.5 percent, +6,300). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.5 percent or +18,700). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas: Springfield (-1.8 percent, -2,000), Carbondale-Marion (-1.6 percent, -900), and Danville (-1.1 percent, -300).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (11 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (8 of 14), Professional and Business Services, (8 of 14), and Government (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares February 2018 with February 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.0 percent in February 2018 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in February 2018 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) - February 2018

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

Pontiac Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in February 2018 from 5.7 percent in February 2017.   Nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+275). Manufacturing increased by (+175), while Educational & Health Services (-50) had the largest decline from a yearago.

Central Illinois Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 6,800 positions in February and approximately 83 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board, which is a global, independent business membershipandresearchassociation.Employersactuallyneed more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates becausesomeindustries,suchasConstruction,typicallydonot post advertised jobopenings.

Bloomington MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemploymentratedecreasedto 3.6 percentin February2018when comparedto 4.9 percentin February2017.Therewerean estimated 3,500 unemployed people in the labor force in February 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+700). Jobs gains were reported in Leisure & Hospitality (+500), Government (+400), while Financial Activities, Wholesale Trade, and Construction each increased by (+100). Declines were reported in Retail Trade (-200), while Information, Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities, and Other Services each declined by (-100). All other major industry sectors were little changed compared to a yearago.

Peoria MSA:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in February 2018 from 6.8 percent in February 2017. There were an estimated 8,700 unemployed people in the labor force in February 2018.

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by (+1,400). Job gains were reported in Manufacturing (+2,300), Professional & Business Services (+1,000), and Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (+300). Declineswerereportedin Educational & Health Services (-1,200), Leisure & Hospitality (-500), Construction (-200), while Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, and Information each declined by (-100). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Ottawa-Streator Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.4 percent in February 2018 from 6.8 percent in February 2017. There were an estimated 4,100 unemployed people in the labor force in February 2018. Over the year, nonfarm payrolls increased by (+125) compared to a year ago. The largest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+250) and Leisure & Hospitality (+200). Declines were reported in Financial Activities (-200), Construction (-100), and Government (-75), while Professional & Business Services and Educational & Health Services each declined by (-50). All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year.

Galesburg Area:The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent in February 2018 from 6.4 percent in February 2017. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by (-500). Job gains were led by Construction (+75). Professional & Business Services (-75) had the largest decline from a year ago.