Kane County Ranks Among Top Areas in Illinois for Job Growth in February
In February, the U.S. labor market showed strength with 275,000 new jobs created, and Kane County emerged as part of Illinois' leading metro areas for job growth.
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area saw a gain of 14,900 jobs, marking a 0.31% increase from the previous month, while Illinois as a whole added 20,200 jobs in the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“This report highlights the partnership occurring between our schools, our municipalities and Kane County," said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “Momentum is necessary for economic growth, a better quality of life, and Kane County's own evolution as one that equally respects its open spaces and farms, while supporting strong business development."
In February, the industry sectors in the state with the largest over-the-month job gains, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), included: Government (+6,700), Construction (+6,200), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,400). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,900), Manufacturing (-700), and Financial Activities (-600).
A recent market analysis showed manufacturing is a major contributor to Kane County's economy. Figure show approximately 17% of the county's 191,000 jobs centered around manufacturing. Additionally, healthcare accounts for around 10% of jobs, while another 12% are in the retail sector catering to residents and travelers.
The state's unemployment rate was +0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for February. The national unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in February, up +0.2 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.5 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.3 percent.
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, metro area includes Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
The Kane County's Workforce Development Division provides vital employment services to Kane County workers, jobseekers, and employers through workNet Batavia. Lean more at worknetbatavia.com.
