The unemployment rates in the Riverbend region have remained consistent in a year-over-year comparison from November 2022 to November 2023. In November 2023, Madison County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent, compared to 3.4 percent in the previous year. Other counties recorded similar figures, with Jersey at 3.4 percent up from 3.1 percent, Macoupin at 3.7 percent up from 3.4 percent, and Calhoun at 3.4 percent down from 3.7 percent.

Compared to the previous year, the city of Alton experienced slightly higher unemployment levels in November (5.2 percent compared to 4.9 percent). However, Edwardsville maintained a steady rate of 2.8 percent, while Granite City saw an increase to 4.2 percent from 3.4 percent.

As per data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, ten metropolitan regions reported nonfarm job growth for the year ending November 2023. However, four regions reported a decline. Despite this, Deputy Governor Andy Manar asserted that there’s continued job growth in various industry sectors throughout the state.

Overall, the largest increases in total nonfarm jobs were observed in Danville MSA (+3.0 percent), Springfield MSA (+1.5 percent), and the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.5 percent). Conversely, the areas with the largest decreases were the Decatur MSA (-1.4 percent), Rockford MSA (-1.1 percent), and the Kankakee MSA (-0.7 percent).

Unemployment rates also increased in eleven metro areas and decreased in three. Job growth was seen mainly in sectors like Government, Education and Health Services, and Leisure and Hospitality across most metro areas.

Moreover, the November 2023 unemployment rate for the Illinois Section of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3.7 percent, a slight increase from the 3.5 percent recorded in November 2022.

In conclusion, unemployment rates in the Riverbend region have experienced slight fluctuations over the past year, with some areas seeing increases while others have seen decreases or have remained steady. Despite the varying figures, overall job growth continues to be reported across the state, fostering new opportunities for the worker population.