Illinois Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2023 to 4.7%. The state unemployment rate was 1.0 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Illinois peaked in April 2020 at 18.0% and is now 13.3 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.0% in June 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.7 percentage points. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	November 2023	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.7%	-0.1	+0.1
Illinois	4.7%	+0.1	+0.1

Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National

Illinois monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to November 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Illinois Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Illinois peaked in April 2020 at 1,129,154. There are now 822,957 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 255,050 in July 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 51,147. Illinois job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	November 2023	Month/Month	Year/Year
Illinois	306,197	+9,572	+7,310

Number of Unemployed Persons