State Jobless Rate Down 0.4% in December

The Illinois unemployment rate fell 0.4% to 5.3% in December. Non-farm payrolls increased by 22,800 statewide last month.

In December, the three industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment were Professional and Business Services; Trade, Transportation and Utilities; and Leisure and Hospitality. 

The industry sectors that reported monthly payroll declines were Financial Activities; Educational and Health Services; and Government.

The state's unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than the national rate for December, which was 3.9%. 

The Illinois unemployment rate was down 2.7% from a year ago when it was at an even 8%.