Illinois’ unemployment rate fell by -0.1 percentage point to 4.8% in the month of February and jobs were largely unchanged, according to the latest Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) report.
Overall the Illinois unemployment rate was down year over year by -0.1 percentage point from 4.9% in February 2024, the IDES’ report, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showed.
The February preliminary unemployment report also said the revised January unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9%, while the January monthly change in payrolls was revised from -1,100 jobs to -4,400 jobs.
Year over year, Illinois nonfarm payrolls also remained nearly unchanged in February at -6,500 (-0.1%), IDES said amid worries about the impact of ongoing federal job cuts going forward.
Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar warned, for example, “While this month’s headline unemployment rate shows little change, a deeper look at the report reveals the start of a troubling trend — federal government workers being victim to the chaos unleashed by Elon Musk and the Trump Administration.”
He added, however, “Despite this alarming new trend, the report also reflects the resiliency of the state’s economy, due in part to the investment in key growing industries made by this administration. IDES stands ready to provide critical resources to support federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations.”
The national unemployment rate was 4.1% in February, up +0.1 percentage point from the previous month, making the state’s unemployment +0.7 percentage point higher than the nation’s rate.
Gains across sectors
The Illinois industry sectors with over-the-month job increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,300), and Professional and Business Services (+1,900). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job decreases included: Government (-5,600), Leisure and Hospitality (-3,100), and Private Education and Health Services (-1,700).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +19,100 jobs.
The industry groups with the largest job over-the-year increases from February 2024 included: Private Education and Health Services (+20,700), Government (+14,900), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,300).
The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-13,900), Manufacturing (-7,300), and Construction (-1,600).
In February, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.3% over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.2% in the nation. The February 2025 payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
Illinois workforce resilient
“Illinois’ resilient workforce continues to make progress as unemployment rates fall,” the Department of Economic Opportunity (DECO) Director Kristin Richards said in the release. “The State of Illinois remains committed to providing the resources and opportunities necessary for both employers and job seekers to thrive in Illinois’ growing economy.”
The number of unemployed Illinois workers in February was 321,000, down -1.0% from the prior month, and down -0.9% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% over-the-month and up +0.9% over-the-year.
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 including by 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 and by employers who can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes.
Recently, IJL showed 62,058 posted resumes with 81,123 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Labor and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
