The Quad Cities unemployment rate held steady at 4.1% in March as 11 other areas across Illinois saw unemployment rates decline, according to new monthly statistics reported by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
The monthly data, released by IDES and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), show the unemployment rate for the region was unchanged vs. March of 2022. The only other metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the state where the rate was flat over the year was Danville.
The local rate includes the entire Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA. Also in the Quad Cities, total nonfarm employment increased by 1,000 jobs compared to the same month last year.
IDES said in a news release that unemployment decreased in 11 areas, increased in one and stayed the same in the Quad Cities and Danville. Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in all 14 Illinois MSAs.
“Over the last 24 consecutive months, job growth has remained consistent throughout industry sectors in metro areas across the state,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the release. “Newly created jobs position job seekers and employers statewide to fill opportunities for career growth and professional expansion.”
By comparison, the State of Illinois’ unemployment rate in March was 4.4%.
Across the Quad Cities region, these individual unemployment rates were reported in March: Illinois counties: Henry, 4.8%; Mercer, 5.2%; Rock Island, 4.9%. Cities: Moline, 4.9%, and Rock Island, 4.6%.
According to IDES, the region saw the largest payroll gains in these sectors: Leisure-Hospitality (+1,000), Manufacturing (+800), Educational-Health Services (+600), and Wholesale Trade (+500).
Meanwhile, the largest employment declines over the year were reported in these sectors: Professional-Business Services (-1,500), Construction (-600), and Retail Trade (-400).
The unemployment rate reflects those out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the rate if they actively seek work.
