The unemployment rate across the Illinois Quad Cities portion of the bistate metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was 4.5% in June, unchanged from June of 2025, a new report shows.
According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) monthly jobs report, total nonfarm employment across the Illinois portion of the Quad Cities decreased by -1,300 jobs compared to June 2025. In May, unemployment across the local region also was 4.5%.
Local industry sectors with over-the-year payroll gains included: Government (+500) and Private Education-Health Services (+100). While six sectors recorded employment declines over the year: Manufacturing (-700); Professional-Business Services (-400); Leisure-Hospitality (-300); Retail Trade and Other Services (both -200); and Financial Activities (-100).
The statistics were released last week for all Illinois’ MSAs based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and IDES.
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, including seven consecutive months of year-over-year job growth for Lake County. The Quad Cities was one of seven MSAs reporting a decline.
Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas with the Illinois QC being the only unchanged rate for the year ending June 2026. Statewide unemployment was 5.1% in June, the IDES recently reported.
“Illinois’ economy continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, with jobs and employers continuing to invest in our workforce,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the news release.
“The sustained growth in Lake County, along with gains in Chicago, Peoria and Champaign-Urbana, shows that Illinois remains well positioned for long-term success – even as the federal government creates uncertainty and new barriers for businesses and working families,” he added. “We will continue building on this momentum by investing in workers, supporting businesses, and creating new opportunities that strengthen the economy to ensure every region can thrive.”
Statewide nonfarm employment
Posting the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were these MSAs: Elgin Metro Division (-1.8%, -5,400), followed by a tie between the Rockford (-1.6%, -2,300) and the Springfield (-1.6%, -1,700). The largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were in the Peoria MSA (+0.5%, +900); followed by a tie between Champaign-Urbana (+0.3%, +400), the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg (+0.3%, +11,400), and Lake County (+0.3%, +900).
Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the 12 metros included: Government (10 MSAs) and Private Education and Health Services (eight MSAs).
The MSAs with the largest unemployment rate increases were: Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg (+0.8 point to 5.6%); followed by a tie between Champaign-Urbana (+0.3 point to 4.5%) and Elgin (+0.3 point to 4.4%).
Unemployment also increased over-the-year in 78 of Illinois’ counties, decreased in 13, and was unchanged in 11.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
