State Jobless Rate Slightly Higher in November, Even w/More People on the Payroll

The Illinois unemployment rate for December rose a tenth of a percentage point to 4.8%, while nonfarm payrolls increased 1,200 for the month.

In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included Leisure and Hospitality; Educational and Health Services; and Government. The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included Trade, Transportation and Utilities; Information; and Other Services.

The state's unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the national unemployment rate for December. The national unemployment rate reported for December was 3.7%, unchanged from the previous month.