Illinois Jobless Rate Improves Again in May

The unemployment rate in Illinois fell for the ninth consecutive month to reach 8.6% in May.  The last time the state's jobless rate was below 8.6% was February 2009 when it was 8.5%.

Despite the drop in the rate, Illinois' non-farm payroll employment edged lower by 1,800 jobs.

Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jay Rowell said, "Job gains early in the year followed by a temporary soft patch in the spring and summer is to be expected given emerging trends in the national and state economy."

The 8.6% rate for May in Illinois compares to the national rate of 8.2%.   Historically, the national rate is lower than the state rate.  Only six times since 2000 has the monthly Illinois rate been lower than the nation's.