Lowest Unemployment in Illinois

Top 100 cities ranked by lowest unemployment

Best Cities For...

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics — 5 topics across U.S. Census, FBI, NOAA and CDC data.

Best Cities for Retirees

Low crime, warm climate, affordable cost of living and strong healthcare access.

Best Cities for Remote Workers

Strong broadband, affordable rent, low traffic and existing remote-work culture.

Best Cities for Families

Strong schools, low crime, affordable homes and family-friendly commutes.

Best Cities for Young Professionals

High incomes, educated peers, transit access and an under-35 demographic.

Most Affordable Cities

The lowest cost of living across home prices, rent, services and rent burden.

Population & Density

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense

Economy

Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living

Housing

Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax

Demographics & Education

Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans

Health & Safety

Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access

Climate & Air

Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Sunniest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality

Quality of Life

Shortest Commute Most Work From Home

Civic & Politics

Most Republican Most Democratic

Geography & Infrastructure

Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants

All Countries · United States · Illinois

Lowest Unemployment — Illinois

1 Elburn 0.4%

2 Pinckneyville 0.7%

3 Columbia 0.7%

4 Milan 0.8%

5 Monee 0.8%

6 Savoy 0.8%

7 Washington 0.8%

8 Lincolnshire 0.9%

9 Chester 1.0%

10 Colona 1.0%

11 South Barrington 1.0%

12 Dixon 1.1%

13 Carlinville 1.1%

14 Bartonville 1.1%

15 Geneva 1.2%

16 Metropolis 1.2%

17 Greenville 1.2%

18 Northfield 1.2%

19 Hampshire 1.2%

20 Manhattan 1.2%

21 Shiloh 1.2%

22 Lake Forest 1.2%

23 Carterville 1.3%

24 Benton 1.3%

25 Effingham 1.4%

26 Winnetka 1.4%

27 La Grange 1.4%

28 Grandwood Park 1.4%

29 Monticello 1.4%

30 Highland 1.4%

31 Johnsburg 1.5%

32 Bartlett 1.5%

33 Jerseyville 1.6%

34 Deerfield 1.6%

35 Berkeley 1.6%

36 Salem 1.6%

37 Inverness 1.6%

38 Morton 1.6%

39 Hillsboro 1.7%

40 Bloomington 1.7%

41 Western Springs 1.7%

42 Buffalo Grove 1.7%

43 North Riverside 1.7%

44 Hinsdale 1.7%

45 Troy 1.7%

46 Mount Zion 1.8%

47 Huntley 1.8%

48 Clarendon Hills 1.8%

49 Manteno 1.8%

50 Lakemoor 1.9%

51 Palos Heights 1.9%

52 Glencoe 1.9%

53 Oswego 1.9%

54 Itasca 1.9%

55 Libertyville 1.9%

56 Burr Ridge 2.0%

57 Northbrook 2.0%

58 Barrington 2.0%

59 Rockton 2.0%

60 Hillside 2.0%

61 Paris 2.0%

62 South Elgin 2.0%

63 Morris 2.1%

64 Braidwood 2.1%

65 Glenview 2.1%

66 La Grange Park 2.1%

67 Schiller Park 2.1%

68 Peru 2.1%

69 O'Fallon 2.1%

70 Highland Park 2.1%

71 Lake Bluff 2.1%

72 New Lenox 2.1%

73 Rantoul 2.1%

74 Long Grove 2.1%

75 Pontiac 2.2%

76 East Moline 2.2%

77 Godfrey 2.2%

78 Wheaton 2.2%

79 Waterloo 2.2%

80 Mundelein 2.2%

81 Roscoe 2.2%

82 East Peoria 2.2%

83 East Alton 2.2%

84 Riverside 2.3%

85 Marion 2.3%

86 Mahomet 2.3%

87 Galesburg 2.3%

88 Spring Valley 2.3%

89 Schaumburg 2.4%

90 Arlington Heights 2.4%

91 Mount Prospect 2.4%

92 Volo 2.4%

93 Frankfort 2.4%

94 McHenry 2.4%

95 Batavia 2.4%

96 West Dundee 2.4%

97 Morton Grove 2.4%

98 Brookfield 2.4%

99 Hoffman Estates 2.5%

100 Park Ridge 2.5%

Cities with the lowest unemployment rates in Illinois represent some of the strongest local job markets. Elburn has an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. These communities benefit from diverse economies, growing industries, or proximity to major employment centers.

Low unemployment often indicates a healthy local economy with strong demand for workers across multiple sectors. These cities tend to attract new residents and businesses, creating a positive economic cycle of growth and opportunity.

While low unemployment is generally positive, extremely tight labor markets can create challenges for businesses trying to hire and may contribute to upward pressure on wages and, consequently, prices for goods and services.

Did You Know?

1. Elburn's unemployment rate of 0.4% means virtually everyone who wants a job has one.
2. Cities with unemployment below 3% are generally considered to be at 'full employment' by economists.
3. Low unemployment can actually create challenges for businesses struggling to find workers to fill open positions.

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