Unemployment inched lower in greater Peoria last month. The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the metropolitan area’s June unemployment rate fell to five-percent. That’s slightly better than the 5.2% figure recorded a year ago.
Unemployment within Peoria’s city limits dropped to 5.7%.
Local job sectors with the largest growth include professional and business services, education, health care and transportation. Declines were noted in manufacturing, retail, leisure and hospitality, and government services.
Greater Peoria is one of nine metropolitan areas statewide with positive gains. IDES Director Jeff Mays says renewed local economic confidence is driving overall job growth.
The June statewide unemployment rate was 4.5%.