Illinois’s job market witnessed a significant growth, surpassing the national average. However, 13 out of 15 metro areas in the state reported higher unemployment rates than the national average of 3.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Danville saw the highest unemployment rate of 6.3%, followed by Decatur with 5.9% and Kankakee with 5.5%. Interestingly, two areas that outperformed the national average, St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, have the majority of their populations living outside Illinois.

In comparison, the Chicago metro area showcased a positive figure of 5.2%. Despite being higher than the national average, it indicated a noticeable decrease from previous months. Metros across the state experienced an overall job increase of 7,100 (0.12%). However, the growth rate was still eclipsed by the national economy, which added 254,000 jobs (a 0.16% increase).

Among the metros, the Rockford area saw the largest percentage increase in non-agricultural employment, growing by 0.55% during the month with 800 jobs added. Other areas with significant growth included Davenport, Lake County-Kenosha County, and Springfield. In contrast, the Chicago metro area also exhibited notable growth with an addition of 7,100 jobs, marking a 0.19% increase.

Sadly, only two metro areas, Carbondale-Marion and St. Louis, managed to exceed the national job growth rate of 1.56%, at 1.72% and 2.26% respectively. The biggest job loss was witnessed by the Davenport area, which saw a decrease of 1.69%. Danville and Bloomington also experienced declines with rates of 1.11% and 1.1% respectively.

St. Louis accounted for the largest share of job growth, comprising 80.75% of all job growth among metro areas. Unfortunately, most of this went to Missouri, which shares the St. Louis metro area.

Illinois’s job market continues to struggle with slow job growth and high unemployment, indicating a struggling state economy. A large migration of skilled workers does not help with high tax rates being the primary reason for the state’s ongoing loss of such workers. Illinois’s state and local tax burden is the highest in the Midwest, and it levies the second-highest state corporate income tax in the nation. Its tax code is also amongst the least friendly for businesses in the Midwest.

With lawmakers advocating for a ballot question that holds the potential to impose a 61% raise in the marginal state income tax rate on 23,740 small businesses, the recent income tax hikes have created an environment that makes it difficult for people in Illinois to find work. This also negatively impacts those who are employed by reducing their wage growth prospects.

For the state’s growth, the focus ought to be on strengthening its fiscal position, removing regulatory burdens, and providing actual tax relief for job creators desperately trying to stay and for workers struggling to remain in the state.