Unemployment fell once again in the Quad Cities metropolitan region in June, dropping to 3.7% this June compared to 5.9% in June 2021.
Jobless rates for the month also dropped in all 14 Illinois metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) over last year’s totals, according to data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Jobs also were up in all metro areas except one.
While the Chicago, Naperville and Arlington Heights MSA had the highest year-over-year drop in jobless rates at 3.2 percentage points, its overall June unemployment rate of 4.9% was higher than the Quad Cities 3.7% June unemployment totals. The last time the June rate for the Quad Cities was equal to that or lower was in 1998 when it was at 3%, the report said. The Rockford area, which saw the second biggest drop in unemployment in June-over-June numbers fell 2.6 percentage points but still stood at 6.6%.
Quad Cities June 2022 unemployment totals also were lower than 2020 May totals when the Quad Cities region stood at 3.8%.
For the Quad Cities metropolitan area, total non-farm jobs also grew by 8,000 in year-over-year June comparisons, rising from 179,300 jobs in June 2021 to 187,300 for June 2022.
The sectors which recorded the largest payroll gains over last year were:
- 3,100 jobs, Leisure-Hospitality;
- 1,900 jobs, Professional-Business Services;
- 1,700 Manufacturing.
Here are unemployment rates and over-the-year changes around the Illinois Quad Cities region:
Counties
- Rock Island: 4.2%, down 1.7%
- Henry: 4%, down 1%
- Mercer: 3.5%, down 1.4%
Cities
- Moline: 4.1%, down 1.8%
- Rock Island: 4.4%, down 2.1%
- Galesburg: 6%, down 1.5%.
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.
“We continue to be encouraged by the ongoing pandemic-related economic recovery in every corner of the state,” said Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar. “IDES and its local workforce partners remain committed to providing training employment services for the unique Illinois workforce.”
Services IDES provides to Illinois workers, employers, and job seekers includes Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To find out more visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
