Peoria leads state in monthly job growth, Twin Cities record lowest jobless rate

PEORIA (25News Now) - The Peoria area recorded the largest increase in job growth in Illinois, according to monthly data released Thursday, while Bloomington-Normal posted the state’s lowest unemployment rate.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) said the Peoria area gained 6,900 nonfarm jobs in January, compared to the same period a year ago. That’s up 4.2% compared to the same period a year ago, the state’s largest year-over-year percentage increase.

IDES said Bloomington-Normal gained 2,900 in January, compared to year ago levels. All but one metro area posted job gains.

Jobs data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security(Illinois Department of Employment Security)

All 14 metro areas of Illinois had lower unemployment rates in January, compared to a year ago. Bloomington-Normal’s jobless rate fell to 3.7% in January, from 4.3% in January 2022.

Peoria’s January unemployment rate dropped to 5%, from 5.9% in January of last year.

Statewide, Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in January, down from 5.4% the same time a year ago.

Unemployment rates(Illinois Department of Employment Security)

“Metro areas throughout the state continue to experience consistent job growth across industry sectors,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar in a prepared statement.

IDES said all 14 metro areas reported job growth in leisure and hospitality industries.

Gains in education, construction, and mining were reported in 13 of the metro areas, while job increases in manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation, warehousing and utilities occurred in 11 of the metro areas, according to IDES. The agency said nine of the metro areas showed increases in government jobs.