Unemployment Rates Up In All Fourteen Metro Areas Compared to June 2019 Rates

SPRINGFIELD -The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in June in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas, with six metro areas at record low payrolls, 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 that the unemployment rate increased over-the-year in all metro areas to record highs for the month of June.  The official, BLS-approved sub-state unemployment rate and nonfarm jobs series begins in 1990. Data reported prior to 1990 are not directly comparable due to updates in methodology.

"As part of our efforts to safely reopen our economy, Governor Pritzker recently released a mitigation plan to help the state prevent a COVID-19 resurgence and protect Illinois' economic recovery," said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes.  "We remained focused on supporting working families and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic."
 
Data shows the number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-13.2%, -22,800), Elgin (-12.6%, -33,400), Decatur (-11.4%, -5,800) and Rockford (-11.4%, -17,400). In Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, jobs were down -9.5% (-366,300). Job losses occurred across all industries and there were no industry sectors that recorded job growth in a majority of metro areas.

Not seasonally adjusted data compares June 2020 with June 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 14.6 percent in June 2020, a record high for the month of June, dating back to 1976. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11.2 percent in June 2020, also a record high, dating back to 1948. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - June 2020

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

Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 16.4 percent in June 2020 from 4.1 percent in June 2019.  The June 2020 unemployment rate is the highest June unemployment rate on record.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -366,300 compared to June 2019.  The Leisure-Hospitality (-150,500), Professional-Business Services (-52,300), Government (-36,800), and Educational-Health Services (-31,100) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Elgin, IL Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 13.1 percent in June 2020 from 4.0 percent in June 2019. The June 2020 unemployment rate is the highest June unemployment rate on record.

Total nonfarm employment decreased -33,400 compared to June 2019. The Leisure-Hospitality (-12,200), Manufacturing (-4,100), Government (-3,900), Other Services (-3,400), and Educational-Health Services (-3,100) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.

Lake & Kenosha Counties, IL-WI Metro Division

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 11.2 percent in June 2020 from 3.7 percent in June 2019. The June 2020 unemployment rate is the highest June unemployment rate on record. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -47,400 compared to June 2019. Leisure-Hospitality (-19,300), Professional-Business Services (-7,900), Government (7,700), and Retail Trade (-4,700) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+800) had payroll gains over the year.

Kankakee, IL MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 12.0 percent in June 2020 from 4.4 percent in June 2019.  The last time the June rate was equal to or higher was in 2009 when it was 12.0 percent. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased -2,400 compared to June 2019. The  Educational-Health Services  (-800),    Government    (-600), Manufacturing  (-400),  and Other Services (-400) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.  Retail Trade (+200) and Professional-Business Services (+100) had payroll gains over the year.

Note:  Monthly 2019 unemployment rates and total nonfarm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February and March 2020, 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. The official monthly unemployment rate series for metro areas, counties and most cities begins in 1990. The official monthly nonfarm jobs series for metro areas begins in 1990 and for non-metropolitan counties it begins in 1999.