The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released new statistics that show private-sector jobs in Chicago increased 16.6 percent over the past seven years, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. In the six-county Chicago metro area, private-sector jobs increased 13.5 percent. 

While job growth is positive for both the city and its surrounding counties, the statistics indicate that the city has been outstripping its suburbs in job growth for the past several years. This is a reversal of a longstanding trend of losing jobs to the suburbs. 

The Illinois Department of Employment Security report also indicated that most of Chicago’s jobs are located in the central part of the city for the first time, Crain’s Chicago Business reports.

Which Neighborhoods?

Photo by Shutterstock

With the majority of jobs located in the central area of Chicago, the Loop is obviously a top area for growth. From March 2010 to March 2017, employment in downtown Chicago increased 23.9 percent, according to the report.

The city’s Near North, West, and South Sides are also experiencing significant growth. In the past year, the South Side, North Side, and West Central area of the city each added at least 1,000 jobs each, according to the report.

Which Jobs?

Photo courtesy of City Segway Tours Chicago

The Crain’s Chicago Business article points to professional services, healthcare, and food services as the top growing industries in the city. The report indicates the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry is the fastest growing Chicago industry, with a 37 percent increase in jobs since 2010.

The financial activities sector is also a top area for Chicago job growth. From November 2016 to November 2017, this field added 10,200 jobs, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Chicago Tourism

Chicago has another set of stats to boast about: Tourism. In 2017, a total of 55.2 million people visited the city, which puts Mayor Rahm Emanuel years ahead of his goal to draw 55 million annual visitors by 2020, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The increase in travelers has also helped spur Chicago job growth. The tourism industry accounts for approximately 146,500 jobs, up 22,000 jobs compared to 2011, according to the report.

The number of new hotels in the city is a big part of the Chicago’s tourism industry job growth. In 2017, five new hotels opened their doors. This year, even more are hotel developments are expected to break ground or reach completion. Plans for Navy Pier’s first ever hotel are underway. A 17-story hotel in River North already has a construction permit. Additionally, boutique, neighborhood hotels seem to be all the rage. Hyde Park is getting the boutique Hotel Sophy, Wrigley Field is getting Hotel Zachary, Logan Square is getting a 44-room hotel, and Fulton Market is getting a 28-room boutique hotel.