Unemployment in the Springfield metro area last month dropped to its lowest level in 6 years. The rate of 5.7 % is below both the state and national averages.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the Springfield area added 2,000 jobs last month, mostly in construction, educational and health services and retail.
Decatur saw a drop in the jobless rate, down to 9-point-1 percent. That is also the lowest mark for Decatur in six years. The rate takes into account those actively looking for work. While Decatur's unemployment mark fell, that area has lost jobs compared to the same time a year ago. The biggest loss has been in manufacturing.
Labor Market Area April 14 April 13 Decatur MSA Macon 9.1% 10.5% Springfield MSA Menard 5.8% 6.5% Sangamon 5.6% 6.8% Cities Decatur City 10.2% 11.8% Springfield City 5.9% 7.0% Counties Adams 4.6% 5.5% Brown 3.1% 4.5% Calhoun 8.0% 7.9% Cass 6.3% 7.7% Christian 7.4% 8.6% DeWitt 6.6% 7.7% Douglas 6.2% 6.4% Greene 6.8% 8.2% Jersey 6.2% 7.4% Logan 6.6% 7.7% Macoupin 6.8% 8.0% Montgomery 8.9% 10.2% Morgan 6.4% 8.0% Moultrie 5.4% 6.1% Piatt 6.0% 7.1% Pike 5.5% 6.7% Schuyler 5.5% 6.3% Scott 6.9% 9.1% Shelby 7.0% 7.8% Other Areas LWA 19 8.7% 10.1% 55% LWA 20 6.0% 7.1% LWA 21 7.0% 8.3% Central EDR 6.8% 8.1%
