Illinois Jobless Rate Falls to 4.4 Percent in August

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent in August, the lowest since July 2023, while total nonfarm payrolls fell by 13,300, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Gains were reported in information, manufacturing, and construction, while trade, transportation and utilities, private education and health services, and professional and business services saw the largest declines. Compared with a year ago, payrolls were up by 5,900 jobs, with private education and health services leading growth. The state’s labor force and number of unemployed both declined from July, and Illinois JobLink reported more than 65,000 available positions statewide.