Illinois’ unemployment rate dropped to 4% in June, a decrease of -0.1 percentage points and the fourth consecutive decline recorded by the state, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Nonfarm payrolls increased by 8,400 in June. Both estimates are based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES.
“With six consecutive months of continued gains in payroll jobs, nine consecutive months of an unchanged or decreased statewide unemployment rate, and the lowest the statewide rate has been since the onset of the pandemic, today’s data is clear evidence of success in Illinois’ road to economic recovery and stability,” Deputy Governor Andy Manar said.
“Through continued efforts to prioritize investments in workforce development, jobseekers and employers have access to the tools needed to take advantage of the expanding labor market and showcase their talents throughout the state.”
In June, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Educational and Health Services 5,300, Construction 2,900, Leisure and Hospitality 2,900, and Government 2,900.
Meanwhile, monthly payroll job declines in the industry sector included: Professional and Business Services -5,400, Manufacturing -2,100, and Trade, Transportation and Utilities -2,000.
“Illinois is making steady strides with four consecutive months of declining unemployment rates along with a continued increase in payroll jobs in various sectors across the state,” said Kristin Richards, the director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
“The state is building on momentum by investing in jobseekers and employers while ensuring Illinois’ working families have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in a strong economic environment.”
The state’s unemployment rate also was +0.4 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June, tied with May for the smallest difference since February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). The national unemployment rate was 3.6% in June, down -0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.4 percentage point from a year ago when it was at 4.4%.
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +121,100 jobs, with gains across most major industries. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Educational and Health Services +42,400, Leisure and Hospitality +33,800, and Government +31,200. Professional and Business Services (-8,400) Information (-4,200) and Manufacturing (-1,400) reported declines in payroll jobs. In June, total nonfarm payrolls were up +2.% over-the-year in Illinois and up +2.5% in the nation.
The number of unemployed workers was 258,100, the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic. The number of unemployed was down -2.7% from the prior month, and -9.4%over the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% over-the-month and down -0.3% 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.
In June 2020, Governor Pritzker launched Get Hired Illinois, a one-stop-shop website to help connect job seekers with hiring employers in real time. It features virtual job fairs, no-cost virtual training, and includes IllinoisJobLink.com, the state’s largest job search engine.
