Illinois unemployment hits 10-year low at under 6 percent in Feb.

Unemployment in Illinois fell below 6 percent in February, the state’s lowest jobless rate since 2007.

The rate fell to 5.4 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Despite hitting a 10-year low, February’s progress still leaves Illinois lagging behind the 4.7 percent national unemployment rate. And sectors like manufacturing remain well below their year 2000 peak.

Preliminary numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released by the department Thursday indicate 25,600 non-farm jobs were added to Illinois’ economy last month.

January job growth was revised to show an increase of 8,100 jobs, rather than the preliminary estimate of 1,700 jobs

Last month’s biggest gains were made in the government, construction and education and health service sectors. Trade and transportation saw the largest decline.