SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Unemployment rates fell in all twelve of Illinois’ metro areas in June 2025, marking continued economic strength across the state. The St. Louis Metro Area reached a record low unemployment rate of 3.5%, while the Chicago Metro Division recorded its 12th consecutive month of job growth. Other major gains were reported in Champaign-Urbana and Springfield.
“Declines in unemployment across all metro areas, paired with sustained job growth in key regions, highlight Illinois’ resilient economy and the importance of ongoing investments in workforce developments,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.
Unemployment Rate Changes (June 2024–2025)
| Metro Area | June 2025 | June 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis (IL Section) | 3.5% | 4.8% | -1.3% |
| Kankakee | 4.4% | 5.8% | -1.4% |
| Lake County | 3.6% | 4.9% | -1.3% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg | 5.0% | 6.2% | -1.2% |
| Champaign-Urbana | 3.7% | 4.9% | -1.2% |
| Rockford | 4.5% | 5.7% | -1.2% |
| Springfield | 3.6% | 4.6% | -1.0% |
Job Growth in Metro Areas (Over-the-Year)
| Metro Area | June 2025 Jobs | June 2024 Jobs | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Metro Division | 3,863,900 | 3,835,500 | +28,400 |
| Champaign-Urbana MSA | 115,600 | 114,300 | +1,300 |
| Rockford MSA | 146,900 | 146,200 | +700 |
| Springfield | 112,200 | 111,900 | +300 |
The state overall saw a net gain of 35,100 jobs year-over-year, even as some metro areas like Bloomington (-1,200) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (-1,300) experienced job losses.
East Central Illinois Highlights
Champaign-Urbana MSA
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7% (down from 4.9%)
- Jobs Added: +1,300
- Sectors Gaining Jobs: Government (+1,000), Leisure-Hospitality (+700), Financial Activities (+100)
- Sectors Losing Jobs: Private Education & Health (-200), Information (-200), Manufacturing (-100)
Danville Area – Vermilion County
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8% (down from 6.6%)
- Jobs Lost: -700
- Sectors Gaining Jobs: Private Education & Health (+100), Natural Resources-Mining (+25)
- Sectors Losing Jobs: Manufacturing (-300), Government (-125), Construction (-100)
Local City and County Trends
| Location | June 2025 | June 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign City | 3.8% | 5.0% | -1.2% |
| Urbana City | 4.1% | 5.4% | -1.3% |
| Danville City | 5.7% | 7.8% | -2.1% |
| Sangamon County | 3.6% | 4.6% | -1.0% |
| Macon County | 5.1% | 6.3% | -1.2% |