Illinois Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois fell 0.2 percentage points in December 2011 to 9.8%. The state unemployment rate was 1.3 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Illinois peaked in January 2010 at 11.2% and is now 1.4 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 8.7% in April 2011, the unemployment rate has now grown by 1.1 percentage points. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | December 2011 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 8.5% | -0.2 | -0.9 |
| Illinois | 9.8% | -0.2 | +0.6 |
Note: All comparisons are made with December data as January state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Illinois Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Illinois peaked in January 2010 at 740,050. There are now 92,760 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 575,152 in April 2011, the number of unemployed has now grown by 72,138. Illinois job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | December 2011 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 647,290 | -13,138 | +33,891 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Illinois Unemployment History
| Date |
National Unemployment Rate |
Illinois Unemployment Rate |
Illinois Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2012 | 8.3% | — | — |
| December 2011 | 8.5% | 9.8% | 647,290 |
| November 2011 | 8.7% | 10.0% | 660,428 |
| October 2011 | 8.9% | 10.1% | 668,685 |
| September 2011 | 9.0% | 10.0% | 663,097 |
| August 2011 | 9.1% | 9.9% | 652,812 |
| July 2011 | 9.1% | 9.5% | 627,586 |
| June 2011 | 9.1% | 9.1% | 603,521 |
| May 2011 | 9.0% | 8.9% | 584,813 |
| April 2011 | 9.0% | 8.7% | 575,152 |
| March 2011 | 8.9% | 8.8% | 581,948 |
| February 2011 | 9.0% | 8.9% | 588,323 |
| January 2011 | 9.1% | 9.0% | 599,217 |
