jobless-rate-down

The jobless rate in Evanston fell four-tenths of a percent to 6.5 percent in February.

Figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security show that, compared to January, the city’s workforce shrank by 7 people but 148 more people had jobs.

The jobless rate in Evanston fell four-tenths of a percent to 6.5 percent in February.

Figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security show that, compared to January, the city’s workforce shrank by 7 people but 148 more people had jobs.

The employment picture for the Chicago metro area as a whole also improved, with the jobless rate declining from 9.5 percent in January to 9.2 percent in February.

A year ago the jobless rate in Evanston was 7.9 percent and the metro area rate was 11.4 percent.

Compared to other Illinois towns, Evanston’s position improved. Fifteen of the nearly 100 communities in Illinois with more than 25,000 residents had a lower jobless rate than Evanston in January — that number declined to 13 in February.

The towns doing better in February were Park Ridge at 6.4 percent; Arlington Heights at 6.2 percent; Downers Grove, Elmhurst and Highland Park at 6.1 percent; Glen Ellyn and Naperville at 6.0 percent; Wheaton at 5.8 percent; Carbondale and Oak Park at 5.7 percent; Northbrook at 5.6 percent; Glenview at 5.5 percent, and Wilmette at 5.2 percent.

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Bill Smith is the editor and publisher of Evanston Now.

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