Bloomington-Normal's job growth has slowed a bit following Rivian’s major expansion.
The area still added 1,400 jobs over the last year, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) released Thursday.
Most of the new jobs came in manufacturing, which added 1,300 jobs. Leisure and hospitality gained 500 jobs in the labor market area which includes McLean and DeWitt counties.
Financial activities (-800), professional and businesses services (-200) and information (-100) downsized.
The Twin City area unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2023 was unchanged from April 2022. That’s the second-lowest rate among the 14 metro areas in Illinois, trailing only Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights (3.2%).
The area’s nonfarm payroll of 98,200 is its highest since last November.
Illinois’ highest unemployment is in Rockford (6.2%). The statewide jobless rate dropped from 4.3% to 3.7% over the last year.
IDES said the jobless rate decreased in six metro areas, decreased in five and was unchanged in three.
