Champaign Metro Payrolls Reach 15 Consecutive Months of Year-Over-Year Growth

Contact: Rebeca Cisco | 217-524-1219

SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 9 metropolitan areas and increased in 3, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Champaign (15 consecutive months) and Lake (5 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending April 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).

"While Champaign-Urbana's continued job growth and gains in other metros of the state reflect Illinois' resilient economy, rising unemployment across Illinois' metro areas reflects the growing uncertainty coming out of Washington felt by employers and workers," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "The state remains focused on supporting employers, workers, and businesses by creating workforce opportunities in every corner of the state."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Bloomington MSA (-1.9%, -1,800), the Rockford MSA (-1.7%, -2,400), and the Springfield MSA (-1.6%, -1,700). The metro areas which had over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Lake County Metro Division (+0.4%, +1,300) followed by a tie between the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.1%, +100) and the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.1%, +4,800). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Government (11 areas), Private Education and Health Services (10 areas), and Mining and Construction (7 areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.7 point to 3.8%), followed by a tie between the Bloomington MSA (+0.6 point to 3.7%), the Peoria MSA (+0.6 point to 4.6%), and the Illinois part of the St. Louis MSA (+0.6 point to 3.8%). The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division unemployment rate rose by +0.4 point to 5.0%. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 97 counties, decreased in 2, and was unchanged in 3.