Unemployment Rates Fall in Ogle, Lee and DeKalb Counties

SPRINGFIELD — Unemployment rates fell in Ogle, Lee and DeKalb counties in September compared with a year earlier, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Ogle County’s rate dropped to 3.5% from 4.4%, Lee County fell to 3.7% from 4.4%, and DeKalb County declined to 3.6% from 4.4%. Ogle County employment increased in construction and government but declined in manufacturing, financial activities and several other sectors. Statewide, unemployment fell in 96 counties and rose in six. Illinois’ unemployment rate decreased to 4.2% from 4.3% in September 2025. Total nonfarm jobs statewide increased by 14,600 over the year to nearly 6.2 million.