Jobs Up in Majority of Metro Areas in March

Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219 | PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas, decreased in four, and was unchanged in one for the year ending March 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the- year, the unemployment rate increased in eleven metropolitan areas, decreased in two, and remained unchanged in one.

"Job growth continues to reach areas in every corner of the state throughout industries, creating new and expanded job opportunities for Illinois workers," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES and its workforce partners remain prepared and committed to matching jobseekers and employers to find the right fit for their careers and employment needs."

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.2%, +2,700), the Elgin Metro (+1.6%, +4,100), and the Kankakee MSA (+1.2%, +500). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (-4.0%, -4,400), the Decatur MSA (-3.9%, -1,900), and the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA (-1.4%, -2,500). In the Chicago Metro, total nonfarm jobs were down -0.1% or -4,400. Total nonfarm jobs were unchanged in the Carbondale-Marion MSA. Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Government (thirteen areas); Private Education and Health Services (ten areas); Mining and Construction and Other Services (nine areas each); and Wholesale Trade (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago Metro (+0.8 point to 4.7%), the Bloomington MSA (+0.6 point to 4.2%), and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA (+0.6 point to 4.4%). The unemployment rate decreased in the Rockford MSA (-0.5 point to 6.7%) and the Decatur MSA (-0.2 point to 6.2%) and was unchanged in the Danville MSA at 5.7%.