Illinois Unemployment Rate Up Slightly in October

The Illinois jobless rate for October was 4.6%, an increase from 4.5% from September, although nonfarm payrolls increased by 3,600.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains include Trade, Transportation and Utilities (2,800), Leisure and Hospitality (2,300), Manufacturing (1,800), and Professional and Business Services (1,800). The industry sectors that reported monthly payroll declines included Government (-8,100) and Information (-100). 

The state's unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than the national rate reported for October, which was 3.7% and which was up 0.2% from September. The Illinois unemployment rate was down 0.7% from a year ago, when it was at 5.3%. 

Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll employment in Illinois increased by 191,000 jobs.