Unemployment Rates Continue Decline Across Illinois

Unemployment rates continued to decline in all of Illinois’ 14 major metro areas in March ---- according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

At 3.8%, Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington-Normal are tied for the lowest jobless rates among Illinois metro areas. Both gained non-farm jobs compared to a year ago. Champaign-Urbana gained more, with 1400 added jobs --- mostly in the government sector.
 
In the Decatur area, the March unemployment rate dropped to 5.2%, with a gain of 100 jobs.

The Danville area dropped its unemployment rate to 5.8%, but that figure is now the highest metro unemployment rate in Illinois. Despite the improved figure, the Danville area lost 300 jobs compared to a year ago, but gained jobs in mining and construction, and manufacturing.

The top line unemployment rate in the United States has been unchanged at 4.1% for the last six months.