The Illinois section of the Quad Cities metropolitan statistical area (MSA) saw a slight increase in unemployment in May as the region also saw one of the state’s largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs.
According to the statewide monthly report, unemployment hit 4.5% in May for the Illinois portion of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA. That was up 0.2% from the 4.3% unemployment the same month last year. Total nonfarm jobs in the local region were down -1,700 over the year to 87,100.
The monthly results were released Friday, June 26, by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The unemployment rates across the state ranged from a low 3.8% in the Bloomington MSA (+0.5% over the year) to a high of 5.6% (+0.5%) in the Decatur MSA. The statewide unemployment was also up 0.5% to 4.7% in May. In April, unemployment across Illinois was 5.1%, +0.6%.
These sectors in the Quad Cities saw over-the-year payroll gains: Government (+200) and Mining-Construction (+100). These employment declines were reported: Manufacturing (-600); Professional-Business Services (-500); Leisure-Hospitality as well as Other Services (-300); Retail Trade (-200) and Financial Activities (-100).
According to IDES, total nonfarm jobs increased in two MSAs – leading to a new record number of jobs for Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division as well as six consecutive months of year-over-year growth in Lake County. Nonfarm jobs rose by 2,900 over the year in the Chicago area and by 600 jobs for Lake County. Respectively, the two regions reported 5.1% unemployment (+0.7%) and 4.2% unemployment (+0.3%).
MSA results statewide
In the IDES news release, Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said the job growth reflects “the resilience of Illinois’ economy, even as employers continue to navigate uncertainty created by shifting federal policies.”
He added “The state will continue working to support businesses, strengthen our workforce, and create the conditions for long-term economic growth across Illinois.”
The largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were: 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).
Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the 12 metro areas included: Government (nine areas), Private Education and Health Services (eight), and Mining and Construction (seven).
The largest increases in unemployment in May were: Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg (+0.7 point to 5.1%), followed by a tie between these areas: Bloomington (+0.5 point to 3.8%), Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.5 point to 3.9%), Decatur MSA (+0.5 to 5.6%), Elgin Metro Division (+0.5 point to 4.2%), Peoria MSA (+0.5 point to 4.5%), 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 identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, is still reflected in the rate if they actively seek work.
Rates across QC region
Across the Illinois Quad Cities region, IDES reported these not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for May 2026:
- Henry County, 4.5%, +0.1%.
- Mercer County, 4.2%, +0.1%.
- Rock Island County, 4.5%, +0.1%.
- Knox County, 5.0%, 0.9%.
- City of Galesburg, 5.3%, +0.9%.
- Moline, 4.3%, +0.2%.
- Rock Island, 4.5%, flat.
The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 96 Illinois counties, decreased in two, and was unchanged in four, IDES reported.
