The unemployment rate dropped in all of Illinois’ metro areas in October. It was the seventh straight month of across-the-board decreases.
The Department of Employment Security said Wednesday unemployment was at six- or seven-year lows in most metro areas.
The agency says the numbers reflect “a strengthening of local economies,” as employers in seven out of 12 metros reported larger payrolls.
The most significant drop in joblessness was in Decatur, which has been plagued by high unemployment. It fell to 8.2 percent, compared with 12.4 percent in October of last year.
The Danville rate also fell sharply, from 12.5 percent to 8.5 percent.
Five areas lost jobs in October. They were Bloomington-Normal, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Decatur, Peoria and the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis.
The Illinois jobless rate for October was 6.6 percent.
| Metro Area | Oct. 2014 | Oct. 2013 |
| Bloomington-Normal | 5.9% | 7.6% |
| Champaign-Urbana | 6.3% | 8.3% |
| Chicago area | 6.0% | 8.5% |
| Danville | 8.5% | 12.5% |
| Quad Cities | 6.3% | 7.1% |
| Decatur | 8.2% | 12.4% |
| Kankakee | 7.8% | 10.9% |
| Lake Co. | 6.1% | 8.1% |
| Peoria | 6.9% | 9.6% |
| Rockford | 8.4% | 11.5% |
| Springfield | 6.1% | 7.8% |
| St. Louis | 5.9% | 8.5% |
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
