The unemployment rate in the Quad Cities region is up to 6.2%, and the total number jobs in the region has slipped by 600.
That’s the word from the January unemployment report recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
The total nonfarm jobs decreased in seven Illinois metropolitan areas and increased in five, while the unemployment rate increased in all 12 Illinois metro areas this January, compared to this time last year, the report added.
“Chicago’s continued job growth underscores the resilience of Illinois’ economy, but rising unemployment across metro areas reflects broader uncertainty fueled by shifting federal policies and economic instability,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the IDES release. “We are staying focused on maintaining growth, supporting employers, and investing in Illinois’ workforce.”
Nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division were up +14,100 (+0.4%). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Mining and Construction (eleven areas), Private Education and Health Services (nine areas), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities and Government (seven areas each).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were a tie between the Kankakee MSA (+1.0 point to 7.2%) and the Rockford MSA (+1. point to 6.7%), followed by a tie between the Decatur MSA (+0.9 point to 6.7%) and the Elgin MSA (+0.9 point to 6.%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 91 counties, decreased in four counties, and was unchanged in seven counties.
Here’s a look at the unemployment rate and total non-farm job numbers in the region and in Illinois:
- Quad Cities: The jobless rate has gone up 0.3% to 6.2% this January, compared to 5.9% in January 2025. The total non-farm jobs as of this January was 85,500. That’s down by 700 jobs compared to last January when it was at 86,200.
- Decatur: The jobless rate has gone up 0.9% to 6.7% this January, compared to 5.8% in January 2025. The total non-farm jobs this January was at 47,000. That’s down 600 jobs compared to last January when it was at 47,600.
- Peoria: The jobless rate has gone up 0.4% to 5.9% this January, compared to 5.5% in January 2025. The total non-farm jobs this January was at 167,900. That’s up by 1,200 jobs compared to last January when it was at 166,700.
- Rockford: The jobless rate has gone up 1% to 6.7% this January, compared to 5.7% in January 2025. The total non-farm jobs this January was at 141,400. That’s down by 1,800 jobs compared to last January when it was at 143,200.
- State of Illinois: The jobless rate has gone up 0.4% to 5.4% this January, compared to 5% in January 2025. The total non-farm jobs this January was at 6,043,900. That’s up by 4,000 jobs compared to last January when it was at 6,039,900.
