Unemployment Down in 11 of 12 Illinois Metro Areas, 4 Hit Decades-Low for April

Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219 | PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD - For the second month in a row, the unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one over-the-year for the year end April 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). The St. Louis (IL Section) metro area reached a record low unemployment rate for April at 2.9% while the Bloomington (2.8%), Elgin (3.5%), and Davenport- Moline-Rock Island (IL Section) metro areas reached decades low for April.

"With unemployment down year over year in nearly every metro area and some reaching decades low for April, Illinois continues to demonstrate strong economic momentum," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "These numbers reflect the impact of our continued investments in workforce development and our commitment to creating opportunities for both jobseekers and businesses across the state."

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were the Kankakee MSA (-1.4 points to 4.2%), the Rockford MSA (-1.4 points to 4.2%), the Elgin Metro Division (-1.3 points to 3.5%), and the Lake County Metro Division (-1.3 points to 3.7%). The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metropolitan Division reported the only increase (+0.5 point to 5.1%).

Over- the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in six metropolitan areas, decreased in five, and was unchanged in one. The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Elgin Metro Division (+1.2%, +3,600), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.1%, +1,300), and the Rockford MSA (+0.8%, +1,200). Nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division were up +13,200 (+0.4%). The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Bloomington MSA (-2.4%, -2,300), the Illinois section of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA (-2.3%, -2,000), and the Decatur MSA (-2.1%, -1,000). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (ten areas); Mining and Construction and Government (seven areas each).