Five Illinois Metro Areas Add Jobs Over the Year in June

Five Illinois Metro Areas Add Jobs Over the Year in June

Lake County Reaches 7 Consecutive Months of Year-Over-Year Job Growth

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SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 5 metropolitan areas, including seven consecutive months of year-over-year job growth for Lake County, and decreased in 7 metropolitan areas. Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas and was unchanged in 1 for the year ending June 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).

"Illinois' economy continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, with job and employers continuing to invest in our workforce," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "The sustained growth in Lake County, along with gains in Chicago, Peoria and Champaign-Urbana, shows that Illinois remains well positioned for long-term success-even as the federal government creates uncertainty and new barriers for businesses and working families. We will continue building on this momentum by investing in workers, supporting businesses, and creating new opportunities that strengthen the economy to ensure every region can thrive."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Elgin Metro Division (-1.8%, -5,400), followed by a tie between the Rockford MSA (-1.6%, -2,300) and the Springfield MSA (-1.6%, -1,700). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Peoria MSA (+0.5%, +900), followed by a tie between the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.3%, +400), the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.3%, +11,400), and the Lake County Metro Division (+0.3%, +900). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Government (10 areas) and Private Education and Health Services (8 areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.8 point to 5.6%), followed by a tie between the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.3 point to 4.5%) and the Elgin Metro Division (+0.3 point to 4.4%). The Illinois part of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA was unchanged over-the-year at 4.5%. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 78 counties, decreased in 13, and was unchanged in 11.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

*Preliminary | ** Revised

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - June 2026

*Preliminary | ** Revised

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.