Press Release - Thursday, April 23, 2020
Press Releases
No Data
Payroll Jobs Down in Twelve Metro Areas as Impact of COVID-19 Begins
SPRINGFIELD -The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in March in twelve Illinois 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 shows the unemployment rate temporarily decreased over the year due to the shrinking of the labor force as businesses began to close and workers transitioned due to COVID-19. The unemployment rate and labor force fell in thirteen metropolitan areas.
"From day one, this administration has pursued policies that support our working families and help lift up every Illinoisan," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. "Keeping our communities safe during the COVID-19 outbreak remains a top priority and we will continue to champion worker protections, expand access to our benefits systems, and support small businesses navigating this challenging time."
Data shows the number of nonfarm jobs decreased in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in two. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Rockford (-4.0%, -6,000), Peoria (-2.5%, -4,300), and Lake-Kenosha (-1.7%, -7,200). Jobs were also down in Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (-0.2%, -8,800). Illinois businesses added jobs in Kankakee (+2.0%, +900) and Champaign-Urbana (+1.3%, +1,500). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas included Education and Health Services (10 of 14).
Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2020 with March 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 4.4 percent in March 2020 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in March 2020 and 10.6 percent in January 2010, at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment.
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
Metropolitan Area | March 2020* | March 2019** | Over-the-Year Change |
Bloomington | 2.8% | 4.4% | -1.6 |
Carbondale-Marion | 3.2% | 4.6% | -1.4 |
Champaign-Urbana | 2.6% | 4.3% | -1.7 |
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | 5.0% | 3.9% | 1.1 |
Danville | 3.8% | 5.7% | -1.9 |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 4.2% | 4.8% | -0.6 |
Decatur | 4.4% | 5.8% | -1.4 |
Elgin | 3.8% | 5.5% | -1.7 |
Kankakee | 4.2% | 6.0% | -1.8 |
Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI | 3.7% | 5.2% | -1.5 |
Peoria | 3.9% | 5.5% | -1.6 |
Rockford | 4.6% | 6.0% | -1.4 |
Springfield | 3.1% | 4.7% | -1.6 |
St. Louis (IL-Section) | 3.0% | 4.6% | -1.6 |
Illinois Statewide | 4.4% | 4.4% | 0.0 |
* Preliminary I ** Revised |
|
|
|
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - March 2020
Metropolitan Area | March | March | Over-the-Year |
| 2020* | 2019** | Change |
Bloomington MSA | 91,700 | 92,200 | -500 |
Carbondale-Marion MSA | 57,700 | 58,600 | -900 |
Champaign-Urbana MSA | 116,600 | 115,100 | 1,500 |
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division | 3,733,500 | 3,742,300 | -8,800 |
Danville MSA | 26,800 | 27,200 | -400 |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 184,200 | 185,000 | -800 |
Decatur MSA | 49,400 | 50,200 | -800 |
Elgin Metro Division | 256,800 | 258,400 | -1,600 |
Kankakee MSA | 46,100 | 45,200 | 900 |
Lake-County-Kenosha County Metro Division | 406,500 | 413,700 | -7,200 |
Peoria MSA | 165,000 | 169,300 | -4,300 |
Rockford MSA | 144,200 | 150,200 | -6,000 |
Springfield MSA | 108,100 | 109,400 | -1,300 |
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 237,900 | 238,600 | -700 |
Illinois Statewide | 6,008,900 | 6,048,700 | -39,800 |
*Preliminary | **Revised |
|
|
|
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Labor Market Area | Mar 2020 | Mar 2019 | Over the Year Change | |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL MSA | ||||
Henry County | 4.0 % | 5.7 % | -1.7 | |
Mercer County | 4.7 % | 6.5 % | -1.8 | |
Rock Island County | 4.0 % | 5.7 % | -1.7 | |
Cities |
|
|
| |
Galesburg City | 4.0 % | 5.9 % | -1.9 | |
Moline City | 4.0 % | 5.6 % | -1.6 | |
Rock Island City | 3.8 % | 5.5 % | -1.7 | |
Counties |
|
|
| |
Bureau County | 4.1 % | 5.7 % | -1.6 | |
Fulton County | 5.0 % | 6.6 % | -1.6 | |
Henderson County | 4.1 % | 6.2 % | -2.1 | |
Knox County | 4.2 % | 6.0 % | -1.8 | |
Stark County | 4.6 % | 7.3 % | -2.7 | |
Warren County | 3.3 % | 4.6 % | -1.3 | |
Whiteside County | 3.4 % | 4.7 % | -1.3 | |
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IL-IA MSA
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in March 2020 from 4.8 percent in March 2019. The last time the March rate was equal to or lower was in 2000 when it was 4.2 percent.
Total nonfarm employment decreased -800 compared to March 2019.
The Educational-Health Services (+400), Leisure-Hospitality (+400), and Construction (+200) sectors reported the largest payroll gains.
Professional-Business Services (-1,000) and Manufacturing (-800) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.
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.
Note: Monthly 2018 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2019, as required by the U.S. BLS. Comments and tables distributed for prior metro area news releases should be discarded as any records or historical analysis previously cited may no longer be valid.
Press Releases
No Data