Unemployment rate rises in Illinois despite more jobs added

SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) – Unemployment rose across all 14 of Illinois’ metropolitan areas, even as more jobs were added to the economy.

The latest economic report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the Peoria metropolitan area saw the unemployment rate rise to 6.1%, nearly a whole percent point higher than where it was in July of 2023, which was 5.2%. Additionally, non-farm employment in July stayed the same from a year ago with 170,400 jobs.

Jobs in the Peoria area grew the most in government with 1,100 new jobs, followed by 800 new jobs in the private education-health services sectors. About 200 more jobs were added to sectors classified as “other services” with another 200 jobs added to wholesale trades.

In Bloomington, July’s unemployment rate rose from 4.3% in 2023 to 5.5% this year. Unlike Peoria, Bloomington saw 700 new jobs added to the metropolitan area since July of last year. There were 97,500 total jobs in the Bloomington area last month, up from 96,800 the same period a year ago.

The Bloomington manufacturing industry saw the largest increase in employment with 500 new jobs, followed by leisure-hospitality with 400, then 200 in the private education-health services sectors, another 200 in mining-construction, and 100 in government.

“Long-term, consistent job growth throughout the state continues to fuel and motivate eager jobseekers and employers to actively engage in the expanding economy,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Illinois proudly commits to continue its critical investments in our unique, diverse, and world-class workforce and labor market.”

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