Unemployment Rises Across Illinois Metro Areas in February as Job Growth Remains Mixed

SPRINGFIELD — Unemployment rates increased over the year in all metro areas across Illinois in February while job growth remained uneven, with Ogle County, Lee County and DeKalb County all posting higher jobless rates and declines in employment, according to state and federal data. Ogle County reported a 6.1 percent unemployment rate, up from 5.3 percent a year earlier, with a loss of 475 jobs. Lee County rose to 5.6 percent from 4.7 percent. DeKalb County increased to 5.4 percent from 4.7 percent. In Rockford, unemployment climbed to 6.7 percent from 5.7 percent and nonfarm jobs fell by 2,500 over the year. The Chicago metro area saw unemployment rise to 5.4 percent with a loss of 6,500 jobs. Statewide, Illinois reported a 5.5 percent unemployment rate, up from 5.0 percent, with total nonfarm employment down 12,500 compared with February 2025.