Unemployment Rate Falls in All Metros

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO-Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in March in all of Illinois's metropolitan areas, 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 ten of the metropolitan areas.

"We continue to see declining unemployment rates in all areas," said IDES Director Jeff Mays. "In fact, the March unemployment rate was down in all but one of Illinois' 102 counties."

Illinois businesses added jobs in ten metro areas, with the largest increases in: Rockford (+4.5 percent, +6,400), Kankakee (+3.7 percent, +1,700), and Lake (+2.4 percent, +9,700). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+0.2 percent or +9,100). Illinois businesses lost jobs in three metro areas with the largest losses in: Springfield (-3.0 percent, -3,400), Carbondale-Marion (-2.4 percent, -1,400), and Danville (-1.1 percent, -300).

The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Manufacturing (9 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (9 of 14), Professional and Business Services, (8 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (8 of 14), and Government (8 of 14).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2018 with March 2017. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.4 percent in March 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 4.1 percent in March 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) - March 2018

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

Stephenson County  

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.4 percent in March 2018 from 5.4 percent in March 2017. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 1999 when it was 4.2 percent. For the month of March 2018, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 950.

Total nonfarm employment increased +400 over the year. Manufacturing (+200), Professional-Business Services (+200), and Financial Activities (+50) added the most jobs from March 2017.  The Construction (-25), Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-25), and Leisure-Hospitality (-25) sectors recorded the largest employment decline compared to one year ago.

Rockford MSA Highlights

Help Wanted

Area employers advertised for 5,000 positions in March and approximately 82 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board. It is a global, independent business membership and research association. Employers actually need more workers than the help wanted advertising indicates because some industries, such as construction, typically do not advertise job openings.

Rockford MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent in March 2018 from 8.4 percent in March 2017. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2000 when it was 4.6 percent.  For the month of March 2018, the estimated number of people unemployed in the labor force was 8,400.

Total nonfarm employment increased +6,400 compared to March 2017. A temporary layoff in Manufacturing (+5,900) in March 2017 contributed to the over- the-year increase in this sector and the increase in total nonfarm employment. In addition, Leisure-Hospitality (+600) and Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+600) sectors recorded payroll gains compared to one year ago. Government (-400) and Information (-200) recorded the largest employment declines over-the-year.

Ogle County

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.9 percent in March 2018 from 5.8 percent in March 2017. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower than the current rate was in 2000 when it was 4.6 percent. For the month of March 2018, the number of people unemployed in the labor force was 1,250.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -625 over the year. The Government (+75) and Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (+75) sectors added the most jobs over the year. The Construction (-625), Manufacturing (-125), and Financial Activities (-125) sectors recorded employment declines compared to one year ago.