August 28, 2020 – The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in July in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas, with five metro areas at record low payrolls, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in all metro areas and to record highs for the month of July in four metros. The official, BLS-approved sub-state unemployment rate and nonfarm jobs series begins in 1990. Data reported prior to 1990 are not directly comparable due to updates in methodology.
“As the state continues to monitor the safety of economic reopening, IDES is committed to continuing to help those who need services,” said IDES Acting Director Kristin Richards. “With the support of the Pritzker administration, the Department is prepared to support working families who continue to be affected by this pandemic.”
The number of nonfarm jobs decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas. Total nonfarm jobs were down in Peoria (-12.0%, -20,700), Decatur (-11.2%, -5,700) and Elgin (-10.8%, -28,200). In Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, jobs were down -8.1% (-311,900). No industry sector saw job gains in a majority of metro areas.
Not seasonally adjusted data compares July 2020 with July 2019. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 11.3 percent in July 2020, was the highest unemployment rate the month of July since 1983, when it was 11.5 percent. The official, BLS approved, statewide unemployment rate series begins in 1976. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 10.5 percent in July 2020, was a record high for the month of July, dating back to 1948. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment.
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Decatur increased to 12.0 percent in July 2020 from 5.6 percent in July 2019. There were an estimated 5,593 unemployed people in the labor force in July 2020.
The total number of nonfarm jobs in the Decatur metro area decreased by -5,700 compared to one year ago.
Payroll increases were reported in Other Services (+200) and Retail Trade (+100).
July payrolls posted declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-1,900), Manufacturing (-700), Educational and Health Services (-700), Construction and Mining (-600), Government (-600), Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-500), Professional and Business Services (-500), Financial Activities (-200), Wholesale Trade (-200), and Information (-100).
