Payroll Jobs Up, Stable in Majority of Metro Areas in September

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SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 5 metropolitan areas, was unchanged in 1, and decreased in 6, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Chicago (15 consecutive months); Lake (4 consecutive months); Springfield (23 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2 for the year ending September 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).

"Illinois' latest metropolitan jobs data reflects a mix of gains and challenges, shaped in part by federal uncertainty from tariffs and the recent 43-day government shutdown that delayed key employment data," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Even so, record September employment in Chicago and Champaign-Urbana shows Illinois continues to make progress, and the state will remain focused on strategic investments that strengthen our workforce and economy."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Kankakee MSA (-2.1%, -900), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA, IL Section (-1.7%, -1,500), and the Peoria MSA (-1.0%, -1,700). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (+1.6%, +1,800), the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+1.0%, +39,500), and the Lake County Metro Division (+0.4%, +1,300). Total nonfarm jobs were unchanged in Champaign-Urbana MSA. Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (twelve areas), Government (nine areas), and Mining and Construction (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were a tie between the Decatur MSA (+0.5 point to 5.9%) and the Kankakee MSA (+0.5 point to 5.5%), followed by a tie between the Peoria MSA (+0.4 point to 4.7%) and the Springfield MSA (+0.4 point to 4.3%). The metro areas with unemployment rate decreases were the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (-1.0 point to 4.1%) and the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA, IL Section (-0.4 point to 5.5%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 86 counties, decreased in 13 counties, and was unchanged in 3 counties.