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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5% July 2019 | 5.2% June 2019 | 5.4% July 2018 | 4.2% July 2019 | 4.0% July 2019 |
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security. Not seasonally adjusted.
Labor Force and Employment
| Current Month | Previous Month | Previous Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Force | 174,349 July 2019 | 170,768 June 2019 | 169,002 July 2018 |
| Employed | 162,941 July 2019 | 161,817 June 2019 | 159,876 July 2018 |
| Unemployed | 11,408 July 2019 | 8,951 June 2019 | 9,126 July 2018 |
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 May 2018).
Company Industry Number of Employees
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Automotive 5,152
Mercyhealth Healthcare 4,000
Rockford Public Schools Education 3,713
SwedishAmerican Health System Healthcare 3,359
OSF Healthcare Healthcare 2,800
UPS Parcel Sorting Hub 2,379
Rockwell Collins (formerly UTC Aerospace Systems) Aerospace Manufacturing 2,200
Woodward Aerospace Manufacturing 1,900
PCI - Packaging Coordinators Inc Pharmaceutical Packaging 1,800
Wal-Mart Stores Retail 1,471
Winnebago County Government 1,292
Harlem Consolidated Schools Education 1,100
City of Rockford Government 1,088
Lowe's Distribution Center, Retail 900
Belvidere Community Schools Education 870
Mondelez International Chewing Gum 850
Magna Automotive Parts Manufacturing 816
General Mills/Green Giant Cereal/Snack Bars 675
Taylor Company Ice Cream Machines 671
Syncreon Automotive Supplier 600
Alorica Telemarketing 563
