Data relating to employment, labor force, and unemployment rate reflect the Rockford Region MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area), this includes Boone and Winnebago Counties. Unemployment rate and related data is reported by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
Unemployment Rate
| Current Month | Month Over Month | Year Over Year | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1% December 2017 | 5.1% December 2017 | 5.1% December 2017 | 4.7% December 2017 | 3.9% December 2017 |
| 5.1% November 2017 | 6.5% December 2016 |
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security. Not seasonally adjusted.
Labor Force and Employment
| Current Month | Previous Month | Previous Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Force | 164,368 December 2017 | 163,548 November 2017 | 168,157 December 2016 |
| Employed | 156,695 December 2017 | 155,191 November 2017 | 157,189 December 2016 |
| Unemployed | 8,363 December 2017 | 8,357 November 2017 | 10,968 December 2016 |
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security. Not seasonally adjusted.
Largest Employers in the Rockford MSA
Below are the major public and private employers in Boone and Winnebago counties (updated July 2016).
Company Industry Number of Employees
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Automotive 4,323
Rockford Public Schools Education 3,525
Mercyhealth Healthcare 3,195
SwedishAmerican Health System Healthcare 2,988
OSF Healthcare Healthcare 2,800
UTC Aerospace Systems Aerospace Manufacturing 2,200
Wal-Mart Stores Retail 1,611
Woodward Aerospace Manufacturing 1,540
PCI - Packaging Coordinators Inc Pharmaceutical Packaging 1,500
Winnebago County Government 1,449
Harlem Consolidated Schools Education 1,191
City of Rockford Government 1,076
UPS Parcel Sorting Hub 900
Lowe's Distribution Center, Retail 900
Belvidere Community Schools Education 870
Mondelez International Chewing Gum 850
APAC Telemarketing 800
General Mills/Green Giant Cereal/Snack Bars 675
Taylor Company Ice Cream Machines 671
Syncreon Automotive Supplier 600
