Jobs up in Twin-Cities, all metro areas across Illinois

Posted on August 22, 2019
All metro areas in Illinois saw job growth for the first time since 2000. (Photo Pixabay)

 

By Neil Doyle

SPRINGFIELD – Jobs were up in all 14 Illinois metro areas for the first time in 19 years.

Bloomington-Normal added 200 jobs and the areas unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in July, just below the statewide rate of 4.2 percent. Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesperson Sam Salustro said nonfarm jobs increased over the year.

“This is the first time since 2000 this has happened and it’s just great news all across the state.  We’ve seen consistent job growth over the past couple months,” said Salustro.

Other metro areas in Central Illinois that saw increases include Peoria, which added 500 jobs, and the addition of 1,700 jobs in Champaign-Urbana.

Places with the most job growth compared to last year include Chicago, Rockford, and the suburbs. July unemployment rates dropped in 11 metro areas.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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