Department of Numbers

Illinois Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois rose 0.2 percentage points in October 2023 to 4.6%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 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 13.4 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.0% in June 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.6 percentage points. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Illinois 4.6% +0.2 0.0

Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National

Illinois monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 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 832,513 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 255,050 in July 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 41,591. Illinois job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Illinois 296,641 +14,199 -3,399

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Illinois from 1990 to October 2023

Illinois Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployed
October 2023 3.9% 4.6% 296,641
September 2023 3.8% 4.4% 282,442
August 2023 3.8% 4.1% 266,155
July 2023 3.5% 4.0% 255,050
June 2023 3.6% 4.0% 258,049
May 2023 3.7% 4.1% 265,222
April 2023 3.4% 4.2% 275,010
March 2023 3.5% 4.4% 283,806
February 2023 3.6% 4.5% 289,854
January 2023 3.4% 4.5% 294,351
December 2022 3.5% 4.6% 297,260
November 2022 3.6% 4.6% 298,887

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