Unemployment Rate Down for Most Metros in September - MyRadioLink.com

Champaign Reaches Record High Jobs, Consecutive Months of Growth for Lake and Peoria Metro Areas SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 metro areas and increased in 1 for the year ending September 2026. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 4 metropolitan areas, including a record high for the month of September in Champaign-Urbana and consecutive months of year- over-year job growth for Lake (10 months) and Peoria (4 months). Total nonfarm jobs decreased in 7 metro areas and were unchanged in 1. “Illinois continues to show economic resilience, with bright spots like Champaign-Urbana, Lake, and Peoria,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.