Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) says federal data indicates Springfield has had 23 consecutive months of job increases.  But, unemployment also rose in September.

According to IDES using federal data somewhat delayed due to the recent government shutdown, the Springfield Metro Area unemployment rate in September was 4.3%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points compared to September, 2024. Several areas of the state saw unemployment rate increases year over year. Among other nearby areas, Peoria’s unemployment rate is at 4.7%, Champaign-Urbana’s is at 4.1%, and Decatur’s is the highest among metro areas in the state, as 5.5%.

“Illinois’ latest metropolitan jobs data reflects a mix of gains and challenges, shaped in part by federal uncertainty from tariffs and the recent 43-day government shutdown that delayed key employment data,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar, in a news release. “Even so, record September employment in Chicago and Champaign-Urbana shows Illinois continues to make progress, and the state will remain focused on strategic investments that strengthen our workforce and economy.”

In the Springfield area, added 1,800 jobs between September, 2024 and September, 2025. According to IDES, jobs were increased in the Information, Retail Trade, Private Education-Health Services, Government, Leisure-Hospitality, Mining-Construction, and Financial Activities sectors. Payroll jobs were unchanged in the Manufacturing, Other Services, Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities, and Wholesale Trade sectors. The only sector that recorded a decline in the are was Professional-Business Services.

In specific parts of what is defined as the Springfield metro area, Menard County has a 3.9% unemployment rate, and Sangamon County’s unemployment rate is at 4.3%. The City of Springfield’s unemployment rate is at 4.7%.

Current months are not seasonally adjusted, while 2024 figures were revised earlier this year.