Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

By Patrick Andriesen

12/04/2024

New data shows only six of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in October as the state shed 2,400 jobs. Twelve metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

By Ravi Mishra

10/03/2024

Illinois’ job market outpaced the national average during August. But 13 of Illinois’ 15 metropolitan areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.

TAGS: unemployment

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

By Joe Tabor

09/26/2024

Published Sept. 26, 2024 Illinois is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Over a third of residents are considered “burdened” by housing costs, meaning they pay over 30% of their income on costs related to housing. That is a greater portion of residents burdened by housing than any other state in the Midwest....

Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/29/2024

Despite Illinois’ job market outpacing the national average, all 15 metro areas continue to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Downstate areas lag Chicago, Midwest in house building permits

By Joe Tabor

07/22/2024

Out of 90 Midwestern metropolitan areas, Illinois has four in the bottom 10 for new housing per capita in 2023. Housing affordability is directly linked to getting units built.

TAGS: housing

Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/03/2024

Despite some growth, high unemployment remains an issue in Illinois. All 15 metropolitan areas showed higher rates of unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: employment

What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?

By Joe Tabor

06/20/2024

Chicago lags behind other cities in housing affordability. The city’s permitting process could be holding it back.

TAGS: construction, housing

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Six of the 13 Illinois metro areas still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic. Six metros added jobs from December 2023 to January 2024, led by the Champaign-Urbana area.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

01/26/2024

Seven of 13 Illinois metro areas added jobs from November to December 2023, led by the St. Louis area. Five metros still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic.

Most Illinois metro areas add jobs in November, four await pandemic recovery

By Patrick Andriesen

12/22/2023

Nearly two-thirds of Illinois’ metro areas added jobs in November, led primarily by the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro adding 10,300 jobs since October. Four metros still have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

Champaign

Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas

Downstate areas lag Chicago, Midwest in house building permits

Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate

What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

Most Illinois metro areas add jobs in November, four await pandemic recovery

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students