Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 2,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2021.

Total employment in the Champaign-Urbana, IL market declined by 1,614 jobs in May and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 4.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 25 bps over the same time to 5.5%.

  • Champaign-Urbana, IL unemployment rate is 120 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 610 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in May versus prior month by 5.8% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Champaign-Urbana, IL Unemployment May 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -1.7%. Key sectors include:

  • Government: 41,000; -2,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 16,900; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,400; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 11,000; +300
  • Business Services: 10,200; no change
  • Manufacturing: 7,500; no change
  • Financial Services: 4,600; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 3,900; +200
  • Other Jobs: 3,300; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,800; no change
Champaign-Urbana, IL Unemployment by Industry May 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through May 2021 (Data published June 2021 and reports created on June 30, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.