Unemployment Falls in All Metros for Second Consecutive Month

Metro Rates at Six-Year Lows as 99 of 102 Counties Record Declines

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

CHICAGO, IL –May unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state for the second consecutive month and again are at six year lows, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Rates also fell in 99 of 102 counties. Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2014 with May 2013.

Illinois businesses added jobs in six metros. Largest increases: Lake-Kenosha (+2.0 percent, +7,800), Springfield (1.4 percent, +1,500), Kankakee-Bradley (+1.2 percent, +500) and Champaign-Urbana (+0.9 percent, +1,000). Largest decreases: Bloomington-Normal (-3.0 percent, ‑2,700), Peoria (-1.8 percent, -3,300) and Decatur (-1.3 percent, -700). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Leisure and Hospitality (nine of 12), Mining and Construction (eight of 12), Education and Health Services (eight of 12) and Professional and Business Services (seven of 12).

“Growing consumer confidence and its related discretionary spending is pushing this economy forward,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “We must not rest, however, until this improving economy touches every doorstep in our state.”

Not seasonally adjusted data compares the current month with the same month of the previous year. The May 2014 not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 7.2 percent and 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in May and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits. Historically, the state unemployment rate is higher than the national rate.

Total Non-farm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – May 2014