The unemployment rate increased year over year in 11 Illinois metropolitan statistical areas in November 2023, including the Quad Cities, and decreased in only three.
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the local bi-state MSA increased 0.2 percentage points to 3.7% in November – up from 3.5% in November 2022. That’s according to data released in late December by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
At the same time, overall jobs increased in 10 metropolitan areas including the Quad Cities. It added +1,000 non-farm jobs across the region, climbing to 186,700 compared to 185,700 in November 2022.
“Further job growth continues to expand throughout every corner of the state across a variety of industry sectors, creating new opportunities for workers,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said of the statewide job gains. “IDES and its workforce partners are committed to assisting both employers and jobseekers with available resources to find the right fit for their workforce and employment needs.”
QC jobs by the numbers
Based on preliminary data provided by the BLS and released by IDES, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment included: Government, +1,900; Leisure-Hospitality, +1,200; Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities, +300; Educational-Health Services, +200; and Wholesale Trade, +100. Largest year-over-year payroll losses were recorded in the following sectors: Professional-Business Services, -2,400; Information, -100; Construction, -100; and Manufacturing, -100.
According to IDES, the November unemployment rates compared to a year ago in the Illinois Quad Cities by county were:
- Henry County – holding steady at 3.8% compared to 3.8% in November 2022.
- Mercer County – 3.6%, up 0.1 percentage points from 3.5%.
- Rock Island County – 4.0% up 0.2 percentage from 3.8%.
Year over year November unemployment rates by area cities included:
- Galesburg – 5.1%, down 0.1 percentage points from 5.2%.
- Moline – 3.9%, up 0.2 percentage points from 3.7%.
- Rock Island – 4.0%, down 0.1 percentage points from 4.1%.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
