Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 6,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Champaign-Urbana, IL market rose by 6,062 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 130 bps to 5.0%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Champaign-Urbana, IL unemployment rate is 155 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 230 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 1.8% 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 February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 6.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 42,600; +6,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 16,700; +100
  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,400; -300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,100; +600
  • Business Services: 9,600; no change
  • Manufacturing: 7,500; +200
  • Financial Services: 4,700; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 3,300; -100
  • Other Jobs: 3,200; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,800; no change
Champaign-Urbana, IL Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.