Illinois Metro Unemployment Rises in 11 Areas as St. Louis Rate Hits 4.1%
Updated
Updated · AdVantageNEWS.com · Jul 28
Illinois Metro Unemployment Rises in 11 Areas as St. Louis Rate Hits 4.1%
3 articles · Updated · AdVantageNEWS.com · Jul 28
Summary
St. Louis-area unemployment rose to 4.1% in June 2026 from 3.9% a year earlier, part of a broader increase across 11 Illinois metro areas while one held steady.
Most Illinois metros also lost non-farm jobs, though the St. Louis region still posted employment gains and Lake County near Chicago logged a seventh straight month of job growth.
Jersey, Macoupin and Madison counties each recorded a 0.2-point unemployment increase, while Alton's rate climbed 0.4 points.
Utilities, trade, professional business services and manufacturing cut jobs in the St. Louis area, while private education, health services, hospitality and government added positions.