Chicago Metro Ends 2025 with Record Number of December Jobs, Year and a Half Year-Over-Year Steady Growth

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

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 Chicago (18 consecutive months) and Lake (7 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas and was unchanged in 1 for the year ending December 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). There was no October 2025 metro area release due to the federal government shutdown.

"Chicago's job market continues to stand out, with a year and a half of consecutive job growth and a steady unemployment rate," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "At the same time, job losses and rising unemployment in other metro areas show how national economic uncertainty is affecting regions differently. Illinois remains focused on sustaining momentum where growth is strong while supporting workers and employers in communities facing greater headwinds."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Kankakee MSA (-2.5%, -1,100), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA, IL Section (-1.6%, -1,400), and a tie between the Elgin Metro Division (-1.2%, -3,600) and the Peoria MSA (-1.2%, -2,000). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (+0.8%, +28,800), the Lake County Metro Division (+0.3%, +1,200), and the St. Louis MSA, IL Section (+0.2%, +500). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Private Education and Health Services (twelve areas), Mining and Construction (ten areas), and Government (seven areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Kankakee MSA (+1.7 point to 6.7%) and a tie between the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.4 point to 4.7%), the Decatur MSA (+1.4 point to 6.6%), and Rockford MSA (+1.4 point to 6.2%). The metro area with no unemployment rate change was the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division (4.4%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 100 counties, decreased in 1 county, and was unchanged in 1 county.