Politics & Government
Unemployment Is Lower In North Chicago Suburbs
Certain sectors still struggle, and language remains a barrier for some.
While unemployment gradually inches downward in Illinois, jobless rates are lower in Chicago's northern suburbs.
Niles’ unemployment rate is 6.7 percent–nearly two percentage points lower than Chicago and well below the 9 percent national average, according to April numbers from the state.
In Decreasing Order:
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- Niles - 6.7 percent
- Morton Grove - 6.6 percent
- Skokie - 6.6 percent
- Evanston - 6.4 percent
- Glenview - 5.9 percent
- Wilmette - 5.4 percent
North Shore Unemployment
A tendency toward higher education levels explains a lot, said Greg Rivara, communications manager for the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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People who live in wealthier areas tend to have advanced degrees and training, he said, which both insulates them from the recession-driven layoffs and helps speeds the job search of those who are laid off.
“These are suburbs with populations who tend to be highly educated,” he said, “and education, of course, is the greatest precursor to employment.”
In addition, regardless of the economy, wealthy and retired people are much less likely to show up in unemployment statistics.
