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Peoria's Unemployment Rate Nears 18% As COVID-19 Takes Its Toll On Local Economy

The Peoria area's unemployment rate is nearing 18 percent as the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant stay-at-home order continues to hammer the economy.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the Peoria metropolitan area's unemployment rate was at 17.8 percent at the end of this April, compared to just 4.1 percent in April 2019. Only the Rockford area saw higher numbers statewide.

The metro area includes Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, and Stark counties. In Peoria County, the unemployment rate was 19.4 percent.

The Peoria region lost 30,500 jobs compared to April 2019 in a year-to-year comparison. The largest declines were seen in leisure and hospitality, professional services, and retail.

The statewide unemployment rate was 16.9 percent in April. That's a record high in state data dating back to 1976.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

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Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.