The Quad Cities unemployment rate decreased to 4.5% in January as the region saw job gains in the manufacturing, leisure-hospitality and educational-health services industries, according to newly released labor statistics.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported last week that the bi-state region’s unemployment fell from 4.9% in January 2022. Total nonfarm employment increased by 2,200 jobs over the year to 179,800 in January.
According to the preliminary data released by IDES and the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, jobs were up in all metro areas in Illinois except for one – the Illinois section of St. Louis, where nonfarm employment was down 800 jobs to 232,700.
But the unemployment rate fell in all 14 Illinois metropolitan statistical areas (MSA), including the Quad Cities.
“Metro areas throughout the state continue to experience consistent job growth across industry sectors,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the IDES release.
The three metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Peoria MSA (4.2%, +6,900), Springfield MSA (+3.6%, +3,800) and Rockford MSA (+3.5%, +4,900).
These Quad Cities sectors saw year-over-year growth in jobs: manufacturing, +1,300; educational-health services, +1,100; and leisure-hospitality, +1,000. Jobs declined in these industries: professional-business services, -1,200; retail trade, -500; and government, -300.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits or is ineligible still is reflected in the rate if they actively seek work.
“As new jobs are added statewide and across industries, jobseekers and employers are encouraged to take advantage of the services and resources IDES offers in connecting workers and employers,” Mr. Manar added.
Other unemployment rates in the Quad Cities MSA include: Henry County, 4.9%, -0.6%; Mercer County, 5.9%, -0.7; and Rock Island County, 5.1%, -0.6.
