Local Unemployment Rates Fall Again in Every Metropolitan Area Across State

CHICAGO - October unemployment rates fell in every metropolitan area in the state for the second consecutive month. That has not occurred since March 2007, the Illinois Department of Employment Security announced today. So far this year, the Illinois economy has grown 1.0 percent and the national economy has grown 0.7 percent. These continuing trends evidence the steady long-term improvement in Illinois' job and employment picture.

The metro areas recording the largest declines were: Peoria (-2.4 points to 9.3 percent), Chicago-Joliet-Naperville (-1.5 points to 8.9 percent), Rockford (-1.5 points to 14.4 percent), and Decatur (-1.4 points to 10.9 percent). Illinois has added +53,700 so far jobs this year.

 "For two months in a row, Illinois can record falling unemployment rates in every corner of our state. We have not been able to say that since 2007," IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said. "Even though we must continue to improve, the trends show that Illinois is on the right path to correct a state economy buffeted by the national recession."

Not seasonally adjusted data compares the current month to the same month of the previous year. The October 2010 not seasonally adjusted rate was 9.2 percent in Illinois and 10.5 percent last year. The NSA statewide rate has consistently dropped since it peaked at 12.2 percent in January 2010.  Nationally, the rate was 9.0 percent in October and 9.5 percent last year. The national peak was 10.6 percent in January 2010. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work. A person not collecting benefits will be reflected in the rate if they continue to look for work. 

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Total Non-farm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - October 2010