DeKalb County Leads Local Job Gains as Unemployment Falls Statewide

ROCHELLE – Unemployment fell in DeKalb, Lee, and Ogle counties over the year ending March 2025, with DeKalb reporting the lowest rate at 4.1%, followed by Lee at 4.2% and Ogle at 4.5%. DeKalb County saw steadier job growth with fewer sector losses, while Ogle and Lee had small gains but sharper declines in manufacturing and finance. Illinois held steady at 5.0% unemployment, ahead of the national rate of 4.2%.