Chicago Sets New Record Number of Jobs for the Month of May

Chicago Sets New Record Number of Jobs for the Month of May

Lake County Hits Six Months Year-Over-Year Job Growth

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SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 2 metropolitan areas, leading to a new record number of jobs for Chicago and six consecutive months of year-over-year growth in Lake County, with 10 metro areas experiencing a year-over-year decrease. The unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending May 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).

"The Chicago metro area's record number of jobs for the month of May and Lake County's six consecutive months of job growth reflect the resilience of Illinois' economy, even as employers continue to navigate uncertainty created by shifting federal policies," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "The State will continue working to support businesses, strengthen our workforce, and create the conditions for long-term economic growth across Illinois."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Bloomington MSA (-2.2%, -2,100), the Illinois section of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA (-1.9%, - 1,700), 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 (+0.2%, +600) and the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.1%, +2,900). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Government (nine areas), Private Education and Health Services (eight areas), and Mining and Construction (seven areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.7 point to 5.1%), followed by a tie between the Bloomington MSA (+0.5 point to 3.8%), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.5 point to 3.9%), the Decatur MSA (+0.5 to 5.6%), the Elgin Metro Division (+0.5 point to 4.2%), the Peoria MSA (+0.5 point to 4.5%), the Springfield MSA (+0.5 point to 4.2%) and the Illinois section of the St. Louis MSA (+0.5 point to 4.0%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 96 counties, decreased in 2, and was unchanged in 4.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

*Preliminary | ** Revised

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - April 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.