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Updated · Illinois Policy · May 6Illinois ranks 43rd in US job growth since 2019
3 articles · Updated · Illinois Policy · May 6
- From January 2019 to January 2026, the state added 54,000 jobs, while January 2026 unemployment was 4.9%, the eighth-highest nationally.
- The report blames Governor J.B. Pritzker's higher taxes, 57 tax and fee hikes and heavier regulation for discouraging business expansion and hiring.
- US employment grew 5.7% over the period, neighbouring states rose 2.48%, Idaho led percentage gains at 17.2%, and Texas added nearly 1.7 million jobs.
Why does Illinois attract top corporate projects but have one of the nation's lowest job growth rates? As residents and billions in income flee the state, can Illinois escape its cycle of tax hikes and outmigration?