The Quad Cities unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4% in July as its total nonfarm employment increased by 1,800 jobs compared to the same period last year, Illinois’ monthly unemployment report shows.
In the report, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said total nonfarm jobs increased in 13 metropolitan areas and decreased in one. That is according to data released Thursday, Aug. 24, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and IDES.
Over the year, the unemployment rate also increased in 13 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) — including the Quad Cities — and decreased in one, the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (-1.1% to 4%), IDES reported.
According to monthly statistics, the Quad Cities MSA — which includes Davenport, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Illinois counties — saw its now seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rise 0.7% from 3.7% in July 2022.
The Quad Cities MSA’s total nonfarm jobs numbered 184,700 in July, up 1,800 from 182,900 a year ago.
IDES said the employment sectors in the Quad Cities showing job growth over the year in July included: Leisure-Hospitality (+1,800 jobs), Educational-Health Services (+900), Government (+500), Manufacturing (+300) and Financial Activities (+100). Reporting employment declines over the year were: Professional-Business Services (-1,100 jobs), Construction-Mining (-300), Retail Trade (-200), Information (-100) and Other Services (-100).
“We’re encouraged to see continued and consecutive job growth across the state, giving Illinois workers the ability to take advantage of expanded labor market opportunities,” Deputy Governor Andy Manar said in the news release. “IDES continues to collaborate with its workforce partners, providing vital resources to bridge job seekers with employers.”
Other July unemployment rates in the Quad Cities area, reported by IDES, included:
Counties
- Henry County, 5.2%, up 1.2%
- Mercer County, 4.3%, up 0.9%
- Rock Island County, 5.3%, up 1.3%
Cities
- Moline, 5.2%, up 1.2%
- Rock Island, 5.5%, up 1.3%
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 unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
