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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3% August 2021 | 8.7% July 2021 | 10.9% August 2020 | 6.8% August 2021 | 5.3% August 2021 |
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security. Not seasonally adjusted.
Labor Force and Employment
| Current Month | Previous Year | |
|---|---|---|
| MSA Labor Force | 157,928 August 2021 | 164,689 August 2020 |
| Employed | 144,843 August 2021 | 146,676 August 2020 |
| Unemployed | 13,085 August 2021 | 18,013 August 2020 |
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 March 2020).
Company Industry Number of Employees
Lowe's Distribution Center, Retail 1,110
Harlem Consolidated Schools Education 1,210
Winnebago County Government 1,228
City of Rockford Government 1,277
Wal-Mart Stores Retail 1,470
PCI - Packaging Coordinators Inc Pharmaceutical Packaging 1,800
Woodward Aerospace Manufacturing 1,900
OSF Healthcare Healthcare 2,200
Collins Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing 2,200
UPS Parcel Sorting Hub 2,203
SwedishAmerican Health System Healthcare 3,375
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Automotive 3,749
Mercyhealth Healthcare 4,520
Rockford Public Schools Education 4,890
Alorica Telemarketing 563
Syncreon Automotive Supplier 600
Taylor Company Ice Cream Machines 671
General Mills/Green Giant Cereal/Snack Bars 675
Magna Automotive Parts Manufacturing 816
Mondelez International Chewing Gum 850
Belvidere Community Unit Schools Education 997
