The Quad Cities metro area ended the quarter with approximately 182,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, which was about 600 jobs fewer than the 182,600 jobs in June 2024 (not seasonally adjusted). 

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the metro area lost 2,100 jobs since the end of the first quarter.

At the end of the second quarter, the unemployment rate in the metro area was 4.6%, which was unchanged from June 2024. County unemployment rates in the metro area ranged from 3.8% in Mercer County to 4.9% in Scott County. For comparison, the statewide unemployment rate in Iowa was 3.7% in June. The statewide unemployment rate for Illinois (excluding the Chicago area) was 3.9%.

Unemployment rates throughout the metro area as well as statewide in both Iowa and Illinois remain at low levels. Payroll employment is stabilizing from declines over the last year. See our Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators blog for regular updates on the Quad Cities employment situation.