Overall unemployment rate moved up to 5.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 1,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Champaign-Urbana, IL market declined by 3,584 jobs in August and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 5.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Champaign-Urbana, IL unemployment rate is 31 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 140 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in August versus prior month by -0.3% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Champaign-Urbana, IL Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.8%. Key sectors include:

  • Government: 33,900; -1,200
  • Education & Healthcare: 16,900; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,600; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,400; +300
  • Business Services: 10,300; +100
  • Manufacturing: 7,600; no change
  • Financial Services: 4,900; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 4,000; -200
  • Other Jobs: 3,300; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,800; no change
Champaign-Urbana, IL Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.