The unemployment rate grew to 5% and job numbers fell in June in the Quad Cities, according to the latest data released Thursday, July 25, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, decreased in six, and was unchanged, or nearly unchanged, in three areas for the year ending in June, according to the monthly unemployment report.
“The Illinois labor market continues to see sufficient payroll jobs expansion across various industries around the state, positioning job seekers and employers with further opportunities for career growth,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in IDES’ news release. “Illinois is proud of its world-class labor force and remains committed to investing in the growth of its strength and diversity.”
The Quad Cities’ June unemployment rate of 5% was up from 4.4% in June of 2023. Also, the total number of jobs in the QC this June was listed at 182,500; that’s 2,000 fewer jobs than a year ago, according to the jobs data report.
Here’s a look at the QC job categories and job number changes in June: Government (+700), Private Education-Health Services (+300), Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+300), Retail Trade (+300), Wholesale Trade (+200) and Mining-Construction (+100) had payroll gains over-the-year. The Professional-Business Services (-3,000), Leisure-Hospitality (-500), Manufacturing (-300) and Information (-100) sectors recorded employment declines over-the-year.
That report adds that the Illinois statewide unemployment rate rose to 6.1% this June from 4.8% in June of 2023. However, the state gained 21,300 jobs in the past year climbing to more than 6.2 million jobs across Illinois.
Government (+700), Private Education-Health Services (+300), Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+300), Retail Trade (+300), Wholesale Trade (+200) and Mining-Construction (+100) had payroll gains over-the-year. The Professional-Business Services (-3,000), Leisure-Hospitality (-500), Manufacturing (-300) and Information (-100) sectors recorded employment declines over-the-year.
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.
Here are the unemployment and jobs numbers for other area Illinois communities:
- City of Moline: Unemployment was 6.1% this June compared to 4.8% in June of 2023.
- City of Rock Island: Unemployment ws 6.4% this June compared to 5.3% in June of 2023.
- Rock Island County: Unemployment was 6.1% this June compared to 5% in June of 2023.
- Henry County: Unemployment was 6% this June compared to 5% in June of 2023.
- Mercer County: Unemployment was 5.8% this June compared to 4.4% in June of 2023.
- Rockford: Unemployment was up to 6.7% this June compared to 6.2% in June of 2023. The total jobs count stands at 146,200, which is a loss of 1,900 jobs compared to June of 2023.
- Peoria: Unemployment was up to 6% this June compared to 5% for the same month in 2023. The total job count stands at 172,000. That’s a loss of 1,500 jobs compared to June 2023.
- Decatur: Unemployment was up to 7.2% this June compared to 6.2% for the same month last year. The total job count stands at 47,800. That’s a loss of 700 compared to June of 2023.
- Champaign-Urbana: Unemployment was up to 5.4% this June compared to 4.6% in June 2023. The total job count stands at 118,700, which is an increase of 1,700 jobs in June of 2023.
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.
