Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 5.9% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Rockford, IL market declined by 855 jobs in October and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Rockford, IL unemployment rate is 250 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 130 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in October 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
Rockford, IL Unemployment October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 32,100; +600
  • Manufacturing: 29,200; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 24,700; +100
  • Government: 15,600; +200
  • Business Services: 13,300; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 13,000; +700
Rockford, IL Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.