Illinois’ unemployment rate rose slightly in February to 5% as the state’s nonfarm jobs declined by 19,900 jobs over the year, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported last week.
The monthly report, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, showed the rate was up +0.1 percentage point from January, and up +0.3 percentage point from February 2025.
Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in February by -17,800 (-0.3%) to 6,137,200.
In addition to February’s data, IDES also reported the January unemployment rate was revised to 4.9%. The January monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of +18,000 to +6,200.
The February payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
According to BLS data, the industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases in February included: Construction (-4,900); Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-4,800); and Information (-2,800). The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included: Government (+800) and Other Services (+700).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down -19,900 jobs in February. The largest jobs decreases were in these industries: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-18,600); Professional and Business Services (-15,700); and Information (-3,700). The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+16,500); Construction (+7,600); and Other Services (+2,100).
In February, total nonfarm payrolls were down -0.3% over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.1% in the nation.
“Rising unemployment and jobs decreases reflect the economic instability coming out of Washington right now,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in IDES news release. “The Trump Administration’s policies are creating real headwinds for states and working families across the country. In Illinois, we’re staying focused on fiscal discipline and long-term growth to mitigate those impacts and keep our economy moving forward.”
Kristin Richards, director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) added that Illinois is committed to increasing economic development and job opportunities for the state’s residents. “It is foundational to DCEO’s mission to prioritize initiatives and programs that invest in our state’s biggest asset – our workforce – ensuring all Illinoisians have the support and resources they need to succeed,” she said in the release.
The February figures also show the number of those unemployed was 328,400, up +3.0% from January, and up +5.6% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.1% from January and down -1.0% 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 through 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 used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions and browse resumes. It recently showed 55,933 posted resumes with 69,157 jobs available.
In addition, IDES – in partnership with Illinois Department of Labor and DCEO – published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
