QCA adds jobs, sees minor increase in unemployment in 2023

Sharon Wren
·2 min read

The Quad Cities added more jobs in 2023 and saw only a slight increase in unemployment claims, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Total nonfarm jobs went up in eight metropolitan areas, went down in five and were unchanged in one for the year ending December 2023. The unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one.

In the Davenport/Moline/Rock Island MSA, there were 185,300 nonfarm jobs. Last year, the area had 184,300 jobs, an increase of 1,000 jobs.

“We are pleased to see continued positive economic trends across Illinois,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains committed to sustaining a viable workforce ecosystem in which jobseekers and employers remain engaged and connected.”

The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (+1.8%, +500) and the Springfield MSA (+1.7%, +1,900). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metro were up +0.8% or an increase of 31,600 jobs.

The metro areas with the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Kankakee MSA (-1.6%, -700) and the Decatur MSA (-1.4%, -700). Peoria MSA saw no change in total nonfarm jobs.

Industries that saw job growth in most metro areas include:

  • Education and Health Services (eleven areas)

  • Leisure and Hospitality and Government (ten areas each)

  • Mining and Construction (nine areas)

  • Other Services (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Rockford MSA (+1.3 points to 5.9%), the Decatur MSA (+1.2 points to 5.7%), and the Kankakee MSA (+1.2 points to 5.9%). The unemployment rate fell in the Chicago Metro (-0.3 points to 3.9%). Unemployment in the Davenport/Moline/Rock Island MSA was at 3.9%, just up from last year’s 3.6%. Statewide, unemployment in Illinois edged up from 4% in December 2022 to 4.2% in December 2023.

For more information, including labor market information and ways to apply for unemployment, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.