Illinois Unemployment Rate Slips to 4.7% in August

The state of Illinois has reported its unemployment rate for August at 4.7%, down from July's 4.9% but up from last year's 4.3%. The report, released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), showed that nonfarm payrolls decreased by 4,400 jobs over the month to 6,175,600.

The state's industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job increases included Leisure and Hospitality (+1,800), Construction (+1,500), and Professional and Business Services (+1,000). On the other hand, Private Education and Health Services (-6,100), Financial Activities (-1,700), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,000) reported significant decreases.

In comparison to last year, total nonfarm payroll jobs were up by 15,000. The sectors with the largest increases in jobs included Construction (+13,400), Private Education and Health Services (+9,600), and Other Services (+4,000).