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

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.

A new report shows 8 of the 13 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs over the past month, an increase of 14,300 jobs statewide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Kankakee metro area reported the largest percent increase in new jobs, growing 0.47% since October, while the Decatur and Champaign-Urbana metros noted the largest percent declines.

Job gains were heavily concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro, which saw an increase of 10,300 jobs. More than 7 out of every 10 new jobs added during the past month came from this metro.

The Chicago metro area’s recovery rank is eighth among Illinois metro areas and 30th among the 35 largest metro areas in the country.

Meanwhile, aggregate job losses were worst in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. Local employers reported 500 fewer jobs in November than just one month ago.

Overall, eight Illinois metro areas added new jobs since last November. Seven have seen job growth since January 2020.

When comparing job growth on an aggregate level, Illinois metro areas underperformed compared to their border state counterparts, with slower job growth during the 12 months and dating back to January 2020.

Since January 2020, before pandemic lockdowns, Bloomington has seen the most substantial percent increase in jobs, while Kankakee has had the most considerable percent decline in jobs.

Illinois added 27,700 jobs since January 2020, with statewide jobs numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. However, four metros still reported fewer jobs in November than nearly three years ago.

While November jobs numbers are encouraging, Illinois remains ill-prepared for future recessions, with its budget weighed down by massive pension debt and high tax volatility, among other factors. The city of Chicago by itself has more pension debt than 44 entire states.

In order to keep growing the economy and creating jobs, Illinois must focus on strengthening its fiscal position, removing regulatory burdens, and providing real tax relief to workers and job creators.