Unemployment in Illinois Holds Steady, Overall Jobs Down

The Illinois unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% in November, although non-farm payrolls decreased by 1,100 jobs over the month.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said October job growth was revised up to show a larger gain, 9,300 jobs, than initially reported, 3,400 jobs.

November's monthly payroll drop kept over the year job growth in Illinois well below the national average. 

The three industry sectors with the largest gains in employment were professional and business services, manufacturing and construction. The largest areas of declining employment were government, leisure and hospitality and trade, transportation and utilities.

The news comes following word that Illinois lost 33,000 residents last year.