The unemployment rate decreased in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in July according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Jobs were up in all metro areas except one.

“Today’s data is an indication that economic recovery is taking place throughout the state,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “As unemployment rates continue to decline and jobs increase, IDES is committed to providing training and employment services with its local partners to connect workers and employers together in the Illinois workforce.”

Iroquois and Ford County show drops in the unemployment numbers….Iroquois was at 4% in July, down from 4.5% a year ago. Ford County lists at 4.4%...down from 4.8 in July of 2021.

Vermilion County unemployment droped to 5.7% in July from 6.8% last year.

Kankakee County’s unemployment rate dropped a full percent…. 6.3% last July to 5.3% last month.

94.1 WGFA