Illinois’ August unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.4% as did nonfarm payrolls, which inched down down -13,300 (-0.2%) to 6,153,700 over the month, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported.
That 4.4% jobless rate fell -0.2 percentage point compared to July. It also marked Illinois’ lowest unemployment rate since July 2023, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The report was released by IDES on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Meanwhile, the state agency said, the revised July unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.6%.
The August payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th, IDES added.
“At a time when flawed federal economic policies have fueled uncertainty for workers and businesses, the State of Illinois continues to prioritize jobseekers and employers by investing in key workforce initiatives and providing supportive resources and services,” Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar said.
“Illinois’ resilient and diverse workforce remains our greatest strength, and we are committed to creating new opportunities that will drive long-term economic growth,” he added in the news release.
Industry sectors recording over-the-month jobs increases in August included: Information, +800; Manufacturing, +400; and Construction, +300.
Industry sectors with the largest payroll jobs decreases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities, -4,500; Private Education and Health Services, -4,000; and Professional and Business Services, -2,600.
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +5,900 jobs. Industry groups with the largest job increases included: Private Education and Health Services, +18,600; Information, +4,800; and Financial Activities +3,500.
Biggest job losses
The industry groups with the largest over-the-year jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services, -11,600; Trade, Transportation and Utilities, -8,600; and Manufacturing. -4,000. In August, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.1 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.9% in the nation.
“DCEO is committed to investing in our state’s greatest asset – our world class workforce through expanding economic development and job opportunities for all Illinoisans,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said in the release.
“Through our strategic workforce development programs and various funding opportunities, DCEO is dedicated to maintaining our role as helping Illinois be the best place to live, work, and do business,” she added.
IDES also reported the number of unemployed residents in August was 292,500. That was down -2.7% from the prior month, and down -12.7% over the same month one year ago. The labor force decreased -0.3% over-the-month and -0.9% over-the-year.
About IDES
The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in a number of ways, including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine.
IJL is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes. Recently, IJL showed 68,618 posted resumes with 65,264 jobs available.
Additionally, in partnership with Illinois Department of Labor and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
