Unemployment Falls in Illinois, Mixed Results in Metro Areas for August

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in August 2025 from 5.3 percent a year earlier, with job growth reported in major metros including Chicago, Champaign and Springfield, while other areas saw little change or declines. In the Rockford area, the rate dropped to 5.5 percent with total nonfarm jobs rising by 400, led by gains in private education and health services, transportation, construction and government, while manufacturing and retail saw declines. Ogle County’s unemployment rose slightly to 4.6 percent as employment fell by 325, while DeKalb and Lee counties each saw rates drop to 4.7 percent. Statewide, industries showing the most growth included education and health services and mining and construction, while overall Illinois nonfarm jobs declined by about 9,900 compared with August 2024.