Department of Numbers

Illinois Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2021 to 7.1%. The state unemployment rate was 1.3 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Illinois peaked in April 2020 at 16.5% and is now 9.4 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 7.1% in March 2021, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate May 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
National 5.8% -0.3 -7.5
Illinois 7.1% 0.0 -8.3

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

Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National

Illinois monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to May 2021

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Illinois Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Illinois peaked in April 2020 at 996,478. There are now 559,689 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 436,076 in March 2021, the number of unemployed has now grown by 713. Illinois job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons May 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
Illinois 436,789 -1,653 -510,091

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Illinois from 1990 to May 2021

Illinois Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployed
June 2021 5.9% — —
May 2021 5.8% 7.1% 436,789
April 2021 6.1% 7.1% 438,442
March 2021 6.0% 7.1% 436,076
February 2021 6.2% 7.4% 454,527
January 2021 6.3% 7.7% 472,929
December 2020 6.7% 8.0% 490,873
November 2020 6.7% 8.1% 499,218
October 2020 6.9% 8.1% 512,477
September 2020 7.8% 10.4% 660,663
August 2020 8.4% 11.1% 695,651
July 2020 10.2% 12.0% 737,271

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