Unemployment Down, Unchanged in Majority of Metro Areas for August

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

SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in 6 metro areas, increased in 4, and remained unchanged in 2 for the year ending August 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the- year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Champaign (7 consecutive months); Chicago (14 consecutive months); Springfield (22 consecutive months).

"Even as harmful federal policies create challenges for businesses and workers, Illinois is staying focused on expanding economic opportunity in every corner of the state by investing in workforce and business development," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Our greatest asset is our diverse and resilient workforce, and we're committed to building pathways that support lasting growth and prosperity."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Kankakee MSA (-2.6%, -1,100), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA, IL Section (-1.9%, -1,700), and the Peoria MSA (-1.4%, - 2,500). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (+1.3%, +1,500), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.1%, +1,200) and the Chicago Metro Division (+0.7%, +26,400). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (eleven areas) and Mining and Construction (seven areas).

The metro area with the largest unemployment rate decrease was the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (-1.1 points to 4.6%) followed by a tie between the Bloomington MSA, Champaign-Urbana MSA, Elgin Metro Division, Lake County Metro Division, and Rockford MSA (-0.1 point each). The metro area with the largest unemployment rate increase was the Decatur MSA (+0.3 point to 6.2%), followed by a tie between the Kankakee MSA, Peoria MSA, and Springfield MSA (+0.1 point each). The IL sections of the Davenport- Moline-Rock Island MSA and St. Louis MSA saw no change to their unemployment rates.