SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – In the majority of metro areas in Illinois, unemployment has been down and the jobs have been up as of January.

Over the year, the unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one area from January 2024 to January 2025. Total nonfarm jobs increased in six metropolitan areas, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in one over the year. This data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“As unemployment decreased over the last year in most metro areas and payroll remains steady, Illinois continues to prioritize region-specific support for jobseekers through local workforce partners,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Illinois also remains laser-focused on investing in our incomparable workforce and creating a positive business environment to bolster economic opportunity in every corner of the state.”

In the Champaign-Urbana area, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in January 2025 decreased from 4.7 percent in January 2024. Nonfarm employment decreased by 1,200 to the total of 115,300 jobs.

  • Employment increases (January 2024 to January 2025):

    • Leisure-Hospitality: +900
    • Retail Trade: +300
    • Private Education-Health Services: +200
    • Manufacturing: +100
    • Financial Activities: +100

  • No change in payrolls:

    • Mining-Construction
    • Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities
    • Wholesale Trade

  • Employment decreases:

    • Government: -2,300
    • Professional-Business Services: -300
    • Information: -100
    • Other Services: -100

In the Danville area, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.4 percent in January 2025 decreased from 6.5 percent in January 2024. Nonfarm employment decreased by -575 to the total of 25,150 jobs over the year.

  • Employment increases (January 2024 to January 2025):

    • Private Education-Health Services: +350
    • Leisure-Hospitality: +150

  • No change in payrolls:

    • Natural Resources-Mining
    • Financial Activities

  • Employment decreases:

    • Trade-Transportation-Utilities: -375
    • Manufacturing: -300
    • Professional-Business Services: -175
    • Government: -125
    • Construction: -125
    • Information: -25
    • Other Services: -25