Department of Numbers

Illinois Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois fell 0.2 percentage points in April 2013 to 9.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.8 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Illinois peaked in December 2009 at 11.3% and is now 2.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 8.6% in December 2012, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.7 percentage points. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2013 Month/Month Year/Year
National 7.5% -0.1 -0.6
Illinois 9.3% -0.2 +0.5

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

Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National

Illinois monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2013

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Illinois Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Illinois peaked in January 2010 at 752,166. There are now 141,208 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 571,938 in December 2012, the number of unemployed has now grown by 39,020. Illinois job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2013 Month/Month Year/Year
Illinois 610,958 -18,007 +29,070

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Illinois from 1990 to April 2013

Illinois Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Illinois
Unemployment Rate
Illinois
Unemployed
May 2013 7.6%
April 2013 7.5% 9.3% 610,958
March 2013 7.6% 9.5% 628,965
February 2013 7.7% 9.5% 627,487
January 2013 7.9% 9.0% 594,528
December 2012 7.8% 8.6% 571,938
November 2012 7.8% 8.7% 575,193
October 2012 7.9% 8.8% 579,069
September 2012 7.8% 8.9% 584,046
August 2012 8.1% 8.9% 588,632
July 2012 8.2% 9.0% 590,619
June 2012 8.2% 9.0% 589,161
May 2012 8.2% 8.9% 585,472