Downstate Illinois Still Lagging in Job Growth
June was the 16th month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in Illinois compared to a year ago, but job growth is still slow downstate, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unemployment rates also fell in all of Illinois’s 102 counties for the 14th time in the last fifteen months. Not seasonally adjusted data compares June 2015 with June 2014.Illinois businesses added jobs in eight metros. The largest increases were seen in: Elgin Metro Division (+1.9 percent, +4,900), Danville (+1.7 percent, +500) and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division (+1.3 percent or +47,900). Decreases were seen in: Carbondale-Marion (-2.2 percent, -1,200), Peoria (-1.3 percent, -2,400) and Decatur (-1.0 percent, -500). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Retail Trade (nine of 14) Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (nine of 14), Professional and Business Services (eight of 14), and Leisure and Hospitality (eight of 14).
“In looking at the metro data, collar counties gained more net jobs than the total statewide gain. Given the statewide gain of 44,500 jobs total, the rest of the state had a net loss,” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “The need for a full statewide recovery remains.”
The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.9 percent in June 2015 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.5 percent in June 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
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.7 percent in June 2015 from 6.9 percent in June 2014 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Workforce conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois.
Over the year, employment gains were reported in Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Transportation, and Professional-Business Services. Employment in Health Care Services has continued to grow. Seasonal payroll advances were reported in Leisure-Hospitality and Other Services. Construction activity, especially road and commercial projects, remained at high levels during the summer.
Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in June 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Education, and Management occupations. Jobs were also available in Food Service, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. Workers were also needed for Building and Grounds Maintenance and Construction 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 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.7 percent in June 2015 from 6.9 percent in June 2014 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Workforce conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois.
Over the year, employment gains were reported in Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Transportation, and Professional-Business Services. Employment in Health Care Services has continued to grow. Seasonal payroll advances were reported in Leisure-Hospitality and Other Services. Construction activity, especially road and commercial projects, remained at high levels during the summer.
Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in June 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Education, and Management occupations. Jobs were also available in Food Service, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. Workers were also needed for Building and Grounds Maintenance and Construction 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.
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
| Metropolitan Area | June 2015 | June 2014 | Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington | 4.6% | 5.8% | -1.2 |
| Carbondale-Marion | 5.7% | 6.9% | -1.2 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 4.9% | 6.2% | -1.3 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights | 6.3% | 7.3% | -1.0 |
| Danville | 6.5% | 8.5% | -2.0 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 5.0% | 6.0% | -1.0 |
| Decatur | 6.6% | 8.6% | -2.0 |
| Elgin | 5.0% | 6.6% | -1.6 |
| Kankakee | 6.0% | 7.9% | -1.9 |
| Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI | 4.7% | 6.1% | -1.4 |
| Peoria | 5.7% | 7.0% | -1.3 |
| Rockford | 6.1% | 7.9% | -1.8 |
| Springfield | 4.6% | 5.8% | -1.2 |
| St. Louis (IL-Section) | 5.5% | 7.1% | -1.6 |
| Illinois Statewide | 5.9% | 7.1% | -1.2 |
| * Data subject to revision. |
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – June 2015
| Metropolitan Area | June 2015* |
June 2014** |
Over-the-Year Change |
| Bloomington MSA | 93,800 | 93,300 | 500 |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 54,100 | 55,300 | -1,200 |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 104,600 | 103,400 | 1,200 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Div. | 3,667,600 | 3,619,700 | 47,900 |
| Danville MSA | 29,600 | 29,100 | 500 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA | 185,000 | 186,600 | -1,600 |
| Decatur MSA | 50,700 | 51,200 | -500 |
| Elgin Metro Division | 257,500 | 252,600 | 4,900 |
| Kankakee MSA | 44,900 | 44,500 | 400 |
| Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metro Div. | 414,300 | 409,900 | 4,400 |
| Peoria MSA | 179,000 | 181,400 | -2,400 |
| Rockford MSA | 153,500 | 152,000 | 1,500 |
| Springfield MSA | 112,700 | 112,900 | -200 |
| Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA | 230,200 | 232,400 | -2,200 |
| Illinois Statewide | 5,973,200 | 5,928,700 | 44,500 |
| *Preliminary **Revised | |||
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
(percent) for Local Counties and Areas
| June 2015 |
June 2014 |
Over-the-Year Change | |
| Carbondale-Marion MSA | 5.7% | 6.9% | -1.2 |
| Jackson County | 5.5% | 6.5% | -1.0 |
| Williamson County | 5.9% | 7.3% | -1.4 |
| Other Area Counties | |||
| Alexander County | 8.2% | 11.1% | -2.9 |
| Franklin County | 7.4% | 9.1% | -1.7 |
| Johnson County | 7.9% | 9.4% | -1.5 |
| Massac County | 6.7% | 8.8% | -2.1 |
| Perry County | 6.8% | 8.5% | -1.7 |
| Pulaski County | 8.0% | 10.7% | -2.7 |
| Randolph County | 5.0% | 6.7% | -1.7 |
| Union County | 7.1% | 8.7% | -1.6 |
| Harrisburg Area | |||
| Gallatin County | 6.3% | 7.2% | -0.9 |
| Hamilton County | 4.4% | 5.4% | -1.0 |
| Hardin County | 7.2% | 9.6% | -2.4 |
| Pope County | 6.4% | 8.8% | -2.4 |
| Saline County | 6.8% | 7.9% | -1.1 |
| White County | 5.1% | 5.9% | -0.8 |
| Olney - Mt. Carmel Area | |||
| Edwards County | 4.9% | 6.5% | -1.6 |
| Lawrence County | 6.2% | 7.5% | -1.3 |
| Richland County | 5.6% | 6.6% | -1.0 |
| Wabash County | 5.1% | 5.8% | -0.7 |
| Wayne County | 6.3% | 6.4% | -0.1 |
Note:
- Monthly 2014 unemployment rates and total non-farm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February 2015, as required by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (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.
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