SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs have seen significant changes across various Illinois metropolitan areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), nine metro areas recorded job growth, three areas experienced a decline, and two regions remained unchanged by July 2024.
The data show that the Champaign-Urbana Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) led the way with a 4.5% increase, adding approximately 5,300 nonfarm jobs. The Danville MSA also saw a marginal decline of 0.4%, losing 100 jobs.
Despite the job increases in some areas, all fourteen metropolitan areas saw a rise in unemployment rates. Danville saw a 1.6-point rise, reaching an unemployment rate of 7.9%.
The mixed results highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the Illinois labor market.