Recession-proof? Some in Springfield wonder

An economic snapshot

November unemployment:

Springfield area: 4.4 percent

Illinois: 5.2 percent

Nation: 4.8 percent

Existing home sales

Springfield area: Up 6.2 percent in November; 2007 year-to-date sales down 2.8 percent

Illinois: Down 20.4 percent in November; 2007 year-to-date sales down 16.3 percent

Nation: Up 0.4 percent in November; 2007 year-to-date down 20 percent

Median home sale price, November 2007 compared to November 2006

Springfield: $94,900, down 4 percent

Illinois: $193,000, down 3 percent

Nation: $210,200, down 3.3 percent

Average annual state government employment in Springfield, 1997-2007

1997: 21,800

1998: 21,700

1999: 20,800

2000: 19,700

2001: 20,000

2002: 20,000

2003: 17,300

2004: 17,200

2005: 17,200

2006: 17,200

2007: 17,400 (preliminary through November)

Sources: Capital Area Association of Realtors, Illinois Association of Realtors, Illinois Department of Employment Security