Peoria, Bloomington-Normal see modest job growth in April

PEORIA (25News Now) - Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas showed some job gains in April, compared to the same time a year ago, while both regions’ unemployment rates were unchanged compared to year-ago levels, according to data released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

The Peoria area added 4.100 non-farm payrolls last month, compared to April of 2022, while the Bloomington area gained 1,400 new positions over the 12-month period.

Peoria’s unemployment rate held at 4.5%, while Bloomington’s jobless rate was also unchanged 3.4%. Only the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights region’s unemployment rate was lower at 3.2%.

Statewide, April’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, from 4.3% in April of last year.

IDES reported the Peoria area experienced the largest payroll gains in Educational-Health Services, Professional-Business Services and government. Manufacturing and Leisure-Hospitality were the Bloomington area’s strongest job sectors.

Year-over-year, IDES reported job growth in 13 of the state’s 14 metropolitan areas.