The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced Thursday that the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.
The April 2026 IDES report was especially dramatic in terms of the specific economic sectors where jobs are declining in Illinois. Four key sectors, which are driving job growth in many other parts of the U.S. and the world, are entirely absent from the growth picture of Illinois. The lack of growth in Illinois is because of JB Pritzker and the progressive policies he supports.
Sector Net loss of IL jobs over past 12 months
Professional and Business Services Down 14,300 jobs
Trade, Transportation and Utilities Down 9,900 jobs
Financial Activities Down 6.900 jobs
Manufacturing Down 4,400 jobs
At 5.1%, the April 2026 Illinois unemployment rate was 60 basis points higher than one year earlier (4.5%), and 80 basis points higher than the U.S. unemployment rate (4.3%).
If we reduce taxes and other burdens on both job creators and residents, we can make Illinois a place filled with opportunity. It’s time we turn Illinois into a destination for growth.