Unemployment fell to 3.7% in April in the Quad Cities metropolitan region as four core industries added thousands of new jobs in a year-over-year comparison.
According to the latest unemployment figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), unemployment in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metropolitan statistical area (MSA) decreased by 2.1% from 5.8% in April 2021. The last time the April rate was equal or lower was pre-pandemic in 2019 when the Quad Cities posted 3.6% unemployment.
According to data from IDES and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job numbers were up in all but one of Illinois’ metro areas in April. The Danville MSA reported flat employment at 25,900 total nonfarm jobs in both reporting periods.
The Quad Cities gained 7,400 new nonfarm jobs over the year to end April at 183,600 jobs. The local region also had the second largest unemployment rate decrease among Illinois metros. The largest rate declines were reported in: Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights MSA (-2.9 points to 4.1%), QC (-2.1 points to 3.7%), and Rockford MSA (-1.5 points to 7.7%).
Additional statistics show these Quad Cities sectors had the largest job gains over the year: leisure-hospitality (+2,200 jobs); professional-business services (+1,900); manufacturing (+1,500); and retail trade (+1,200). Meanwhile, the region’s educational and health services sector saw a decline of 700 jobs over the year.
“The continued positive trajectory of Illinois’ economy is encouraging,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the IDES release. He added that the state is “committed to supporting businesses and job seekers as they innovate, grow and connect all across Illinois.”
Here are unemployment rates and over-the-year changes around the Illinois Quad Cities region:
Counties
- Rock Island: 4.6%, down 1.3%
- Henry: 4.5%, down 0.6%
- Mercer: 4.1%, down 1.2%
Cities
- Moline: 4.5%, down 4.5%, down 1.3%
- Rock Island: 4.7%, down 1.7%
- Galesburg: 6.2%, down 0.9%.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. Those who have exhausted benefits or are ineligible are reflected in the unemployment rate if they are actively seeking work.
