The number of jobs fell and the unemployment rate is up in Illinois. That’s the story being told by the numbers presented in the jobs data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).
That data shows the unemployment rate increased in all 12 Illinois metro areas for April.
In the state, the jobless rate went from 4.2% in April of 2025 to 4.7% this April. Also, the number of statewide jobs fell during that period by 2,300.
One of the bright spots in the state is the Champaign-Urbana area, which saw the addition of 100 jobs, going from 123,800 jobs last year to 123,900 jobs this April.
“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 employers and workers coming out of Washington,” said Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The state remains focused on supporting employers and businesses by creating workforce opportunities in every corner of the state.”
In the Quad Cities, the jobless rate went up 0.1%, going from 4.4% last year to 4.5% this April. The total number of non-farm jobs in the area decreased 1,100 jobs, going from 87,400 jobs last year to 86,300 jobs this April.
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 (seven 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%. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 97 counties, decreased in 2, and was unchanged in three.
Here are the economic numbers from other regions in the state:
- Decatur: The jobless rate rose 0.5% from 5.1% last year to 5.6% this April. The total jobs fell by 300, going from 47,600 last year to 47,300 this April.
- Peoria: The jobless rate went up 0.6%, going from 4% last year to 4.6% this April. The number of jobs fell by 1,100, going from 170,900 last year to 169,800 this April.
- Rockford: The jobless rate went up 0.5%, going from 4.7% last year to 5.2% this April. The total number of jobs fell by 2,400, going from 144,400 last year to 142,000 this April.
- Springfield: The jobless rate went up 0.5%, going from 3.6% last year to 4.1% this April. The total number of jobs fell 1,700, going from 108,100 last year to 106,400 this April.
