SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Employment levels across Illinois metropolitan areas showed a mix of gains and declines in September, with Chicago and Champaign-Urbana reaching record job totals for the month, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Over the year ending in September 2025, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, remained unchanged in one and declined in six. Chicago recorded its 15th consecutive month of year-over-year job growth, while Springfield extended its streak to 23 consecutive months. Lake County also posted four straight months of growth.
Chicago reached a record number of September jobs, while Champaign-Urbana recorded its highest September employment level for the third consecutive year, despite showing no change in total nonfarm jobs compared with a year earlier.
Unemployment rates increased over the year in 10 metro areas and declined in two. Statewide, Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, down from 4.7 percent in September 2024. Job growth across metro areas was strongest in private education and health services, which added jobs in all 12 regions, followed by government and mining and construction.
The largest over-the-year job losses were reported in the Kankakee, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (Illinois section) and Peoria metropolitan areas. The strongest job gains were seen in Springfield, Chicago and Lake County.
In east central Illinois, Champaign-Urbana’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.1 percent, while nonfarm employment remained flat at 122,300 jobs. Employment gains in government and private education and health services offset losses in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, manufacturing and retail trade.
In Vermilion County, unemployment declined slightly to 5.7 percent, though total nonfarm employment fell by 550 jobs over the year.
State officials said the data reflects both ongoing economic progress and challenges tied to federal uncertainty, including tariffs and a prolonged government shutdown earlier this year that delayed some employment reporting.
Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates
| Metropolitan area | September 2025* | September 2024** | Over-the-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 3.9% | 3.7% | +0.2 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 4.1% | 3.8% | +0.3 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg | 4.1% | 5.1% | -1.0 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (IL) | 5.5% | 5.9% | -0.4 |
| Decatur | 5.9% | 5.4% | +0.5 |
| Elgin | 4.3% | 4.1% | +0.2 |
| Kankakee | 5.5% | 5.0% | +0.5 |
| Lake | 4.3% | 4.2% | +0.1 |
| Peoria | 4.7% | 4.3% | +0.4 |
| Rockford | 5.2% | 4.9% | +0.3 |
| Springfield | 4.3% | 3.9% | +0.4 |
| St. Louis (IL) | 4.2% | 4.0% | +0.2 |
| Illinois statewide | 4.3% | 4.7% | -0.4 |
*Preliminary
**Revised
Total nonfarm jobs (not seasonally adjusted) — September 2025
| Metropolitan area | 2025* | 2024** | Over-the-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 94,700 | 95,300 | -600 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 122,300 | 122,300 | 0 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg | 3,860,200 | 3,820,700 | +39,500 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (IL) | 86,300 | 87,800 | -1,500 |
| Decatur | 47,500 | 47,400 | +100 |
| Elgin | 297,400 | 299,100 | -1,700 |
| Kankakee | 42,400 | 43,300 | -900 |
| Lake | 350,400 | 349,100 | +1,300 |
| Peoria | 172,600 | 174,300 | -1,700 |
| Rockford | 146,800 | 147,000 | -200 |
| Springfield | 112,000 | 110,200 | +1,800 |
| St. Louis (IL) | 244,000 | 243,400 | +600 |
| Illinois statewide | 6,194,400 | 6,175,800 | +18,600 |
*Preliminary
**Revised