Unemployment rate falls, but labor force slightly smaller

Posted on May 25, 2017
Employment Application
Bloomington-Normal’s jobless rate was 3.7 percent in April. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Flazingo Photos)

By Greg Halbleib

SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate for Bloomington-Normal has fallen to 3.7 percent, the lowest among the state’s metropolitan areas.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the April jobless rate in the Twin Cities was down from 4.8 percent one year earlier. The statewide unemployment rate for April was 4.4 percent, down from 5.8 percent in April 2016.

IDES Director Jeff Mays pointed out that the lower rates are largely because of a declining labor force rather than growing employment.

The total non-farm jobs in Bloomington-Normal in April was 94-thousand-600, 300 fewer than one year earlier.

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