Illinois Jobless Rate Falls to 4.4%, Payrolls Decline in August

Illinois’ unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent in August, the lowest since July 2023, according to the Department of Employment Security. The number of unemployed residents fell to about 292,500, down nearly 3 percent from July and more than 12 percent from a year ago. However, total nonfarm payrolls declined by 13,300 jobs, with losses in trade, transportation, health services, and business services. Gains were reported in information, manufacturing, and construction. Over the year, Illinois payrolls rose by nearly 6,000 jobs, though national job growth remains stronger. IDES continues to connect jobseekers with more than 65,000 openings through Illinois JobLink.