December Unemployment Rates Fall in All Metro Areas
December unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state. This was the ninth consecutive month that all metro areas reported over-the-year declines in their unemployment rates, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Rates also fell in all 102 counties for the second consecutive month and the sixth time out of the last seven months. Not seasonally adjusted data compares December 2014 with December 2013.Illinois businesses added jobs in six metros. Largest increases: Champaign-Urbana (+1.5 percent, +1,600), Danville (+1.0 percent, +300) and Lake-Kenosha (+0.8 percent, +3,200). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metro Division rose 1.0 percent or 36,500. Largest decreases: Peoria (-1.1 percent, -1,900), Bloomington-Normal
(-1.0 percent, -900) and Quad Cities (-0.7 percent, -1,300). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Education and Health Services (8 of 12) and Mining and Construction (7 of 12).
“Although unemployment rates are falling across all metro areas, there are still some metro rates that remain stubbornly higher than the statewide average and where job growth has lagged,” IDES Director Jeff Mays said.
The December 2014 not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.7 percent and 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in December 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.
Southern Illinois Highlights
Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. The data is not seasonally adjusted.
Labor market conditions continued to improve at the end of 2014 in Southern Illinois. Retailers and Restaurants hired temporary and part time workers for the holiday season. Construction activity on highways and commercial buildings remained busy. Employment gains were reported in Wholesale Trade, Transportation, and Health Services.
Numerous employment opportunities were available in Sales, Health Care, and Transportation at the end of 2014. Job openings were advertised in Food Service, Office and Administrative Support, and Management occupations. Career prospects were also available in Education and Training, Social Services, Computer Occupations, Business and Finance, and Installation, Maintenance and Repair occupations.
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.
The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development.
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas
|
Dec. 14 |
Dec. 13 |
|
| Carbondale Area | ||
| Alexander County | 8.5% | 10.9% |
| Jackson County | 5.6% | 7.7% |
| Massac County | 6.3% | 8.6% |
| Perry County | 7.4% | 11.7% |
| Pulaski County | 7.7% | 10.6% |
| Randolph County | 5.6% | 8.6% |
| Union County | 7.7% | 11.5% |
| Marion Area | ||
| Franklin County | 8.4% | 12.9% |
| Johnson County | 7.4% | 10.9% |
| Williamson County | 6.1% | 8.8% |
| Harrisburg Area | ||
| Gallatin County | 6.5% | 9.4% |
| Hamilton County | 6.4% | 7.9% |
| Hardin County | 7.6% | 12.0% |
| Pope County | 7.3% | 10.5% |
| Saline County | 6.8% | 10.4% |
| White County | 5.3% | 8.2% |
| Olney - Mt. Carmel Area | ||
| Edwards County | 6.6% | 9.3% |
| Lawrence County | 5.9% | 9.0% |
| Richland County | 6.5% | 9.2% |
| Wabash County | 5.4% | 8.2% |
| Wayne County | 6.5% | 8.6% |
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – December 2014
| Metropolitan Area |
December 2014* |
December 2013** |
Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington-Normal MSA | 88,900 | 89,800 | -900 |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 110,400 | 108,800 | 1,600 |
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metro Div. | 3,855,700 | 3,819,200 | 36,500 |
| Danville MSA | 29,100 | 28,800 | 300 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA | 182,300 | 183,600 | -1,300 |
| Decatur MSA | 51,600 | 51,600 | 0 |
| Kankakee-Bradley MSA | 44,400 | 44,600 | -200 |
| Lake County-Kenosha County Metro Div. | 404,500 | 401,300 | 3,200 |
| Peoria MSA | 176,800 | 178,700 | -1,900 |
| Rockford MSA | 149,200 | 148,400 | 800 |
| Springfield MSA | 111,700 | 111,600 | 100 |
| Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 228,800 | 229,500 | -700 |
| *Preliminary **Revised | |||