Illinois Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.9 Percent

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in July, down 0.2 percentage point from the revised June rate of 5.1 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 11,700 to 6,176,400, the highest level on record. Private education and health services posted the largest monthly job gain, adding 6,200 positions.