Unemployment rates fall across all metro areas in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The latest information shows that the unemployment rate is down in all metro areas across the state compared to this time last year.
The unemployment rate decreased in May 2025 compared to May 2024, according to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Locally in Central Illinois, the Peoria Metro Area had an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is a 0.8% decrease from last May. The Bloomington Metro Area had an unemployment rate of 3.1% which is a 0.6% decrease from the year before.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is at 4.4%, which is down 0.4% from the same time last year.
'With every metro area experiencing a year-over-year decrease in their unemployment rates, coupled with significant consecutive months of payroll jobs gains in four of our areas across the state, the Illinois economy continues to showcase stability and resilience,' said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. 'We remain committed to ensuring vital investments in workforce development opportunities that encourage and create new and growing economic activity across the state.'
The total number of nonfarm jobs also saw an increase this year. There were 6,187,100 jobs reported across the state in May, which is about 24,200 more than in May 2024.
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