Unemployment Rate Down for Most Metros in September

Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219

Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 metro areas and increased in 1 for the year ending September 2026. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 4 metropolitan areas, including a record high for the month of September in Champaign-Urbana and consecutive months of year-over-year job growth for Lake (10 months) and Peoria (4 months). Total nonfarm jobs decreased in 7 metro areas and were unchanged in 1.

"Illinois continues to show economic resilience, with bright spots like Champaign-Urbana, Lake, and Peoria," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "But that progress is unfolding against a backdrop of harmful economic policies from the federal government that create unnecessary obstacles for workers, employers, and families. We will continue to invest in the strength of our workforce and businesses, building on successes and working to ensure our communities can thrive despite the challenges created in Washington."

The largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs occurred in the Illinois section of Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (-3.3%, -2,900) followed by a tie between Bloomington (-1.6%, -1,500) and Elgin (-1.6%, -4,900). Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg jobs decreased by -0.1% or -2,700. Over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs occurred in Lake (+0.8%, +2,800), Peoria (+0.5%, +800), and a tie between Champaign-Urbana (+0.2%, +200) and the Illinois part of St. Louis (+0.2%, +500). Kankakee posted no change in jobs. Industries showing job growth in most of the twelve metro areas included: Mining and Construction (10 areas), Private Education and Health Services (9 areas), and Government (8 areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment decreases were Kankakee (-1.2 percentage points to 4.2%), followed by a tie between Peoria (-0.9 percentage point to 3.8%) and Rockford (-0.9 percentage point to 4.4%). The only metro area with an unemployment rate increase was Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg (+0.4 percentage point to 4.5%). Statewide, unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in 96 counties and increased in 6.