Department of Numbers

Illinois Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Illinois fell 0.2 percentage points in September 2021 to 6.8%. The state unemployment rate was 2.0 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 9.7 percentage points lower. You can also see Illinois unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate September 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
National 4.8% -0.4 -3.0
Illinois 6.8% -0.2 -3.6

Unemployment Rate: Illinois, National

Illinois monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to September 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 574,767 fewer people unemployed in the state. Illinois job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons September 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
Illinois 421,711 -14,238 -238,952

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

Illinois Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployment Rate		 Illinois
Unemployed
September 2021 4.8% 6.8% 421,711
August 2021 5.2% 7.0% 435,949
July 2021 5.4% 7.1% 437,840
June 2021 5.9% 7.2% 443,530
May 2021 5.8% 7.1% 437,351
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

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