Payroll Jobs Mixed in Northern Illinois Counties, Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb Show Modest Changes

SPRINGFIELD — Data for September 2025 show total nonfarm employment increased in some Illinois metro areas while declining in others, with Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb counties posting modest changes compared to statewide trends. Ogle County’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.3 percent from 4.1 percent a year earlier, while total nonfarm jobs fell by 425, with gains in government and other services offset by losses in construction, manufacturing, trade, professional services, information, and financial activities. Lee County’s unemployment increased to 4.5 percent and DeKalb County’s rose to 4.4 percent, both slightly above the state’s overall rate of 4.3 percent, which fell from 4.7 percent. Across Illinois, metro areas with the largest job gains included Chicago, Springfield, and Lake County, while the biggest declines were seen in Kankakee, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, and Peoria. The best unemployment rates were recorded in Jo Daviess and McHenry counties at 3.4 percent, while the highest rates were in Decatur at 5.9 percent and the Davenport area at 5.5 percent.