Unemployment rate down, jobs up in Twin-Cities

Posted on November 22, 2019
Bloomington-Normal added 400 jobs compared to October of last year. (Photo Pixabay)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The unemployment rate in Bloomington-Normal almost dropped a whole percentage point, as the jobless rate fell in all 14 metro areas.

The jobless rate in the Twin-Cities is 3.5%, compared to 4.3% October of last year, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Spokesperson Rebecca Cisco said all metros areas around the state enjoyed a decrease in the unemployment rate.

“Unemployment continues to decrease across the state.  The Chicago and and St. Louis metro areas hit a record low for October, as did 16 counties,” Cisco said.

Bloomington-Normal added 400 jobs over the year. Champaign-Urbana, Carbondale, and Kankakee saw the largest increase in employment.

Industry sectors with the largest job growth include transportation, warehousing and utilities, education and health services, government and leisure and hospitality.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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