Ogle, Lee, DeKalb Unemployment Rates Rise Slightly as Rockford Area Loses Jobs

SPRINGFIELD — Unemployment rates increased slightly from a year ago in Ogle, Lee and DeKalb counties in June, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Ogle County’s jobless rate rose to 4.2 percent from 4.1 percent, Lee County increased to 4.5 percent from 4.2 percent, and DeKalb County climbed to 4.4 percent from 4.2 percent. The Rockford metropolitan area posted a 5.1 percent unemployment rate, up from 5.0 percent a year earlier, while total nonfarm employment fell by 2,300 jobs. Statewide, Illinois added 7,000 nonfarm jobs over the year, but the unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent from 4.6 percent.