Kane County Sees Boost In Job Growth

KANE COUNTY, IL — Kane County officials say February was a strong month for job growth and strong partnerships between schools, cities and the county our helping to stem the economic growth.

The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area saw a gain of 14,900 jobs, marking a 0.31 percent increase from the previous month, while Illinois as a whole added 20,200 jobs in the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“This report highlights the partnership occurring between our schools, our municipalities and Kane County,” said Corinne Pierog, chairman for the Kane County Board. “Momentum is necessary for economic growth, a better quality of life, and Kane County’s own evolution as one that equally respects its open spaces and farms, while supporting strong business development."

In February, the industry sectors in the state with the largest over-the-month job gains,
according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security included: government, with an additional 6,500 jobs; construction, which saw 6,200 additional jobs, and leisure and hospitality, with an addition of 5,400 jobs. The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: trade, transportation and utilities, manufacturing and financial activities.

A recent market analysis showed manufacturing is a major contributor to Kane County'seconomy. Figures show approximately 17 percent of the county’s 191,000 jobs centered around manufacturing.

Additionally, healthcare accounts for around 10 percent of jobs, while another 12 percent are in the retail sector catering to residents and travelers. The state’s unemployment rate was .9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for February.

The national unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in February, up .2 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up .5 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.3 percent.

The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, metro area includes Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. The Kane County’s Workforce Development Division provides vital employment services to Kane County workers, jobseekers, and employers through workNet Batavia. Lean more at worknetbatavia.com.