SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ statewide unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent in December 2023, according to preliminary data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

That number, which was not seasonally adjusted, reflects a 0.2 percentage point increase from December 2022. The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights region was the only one of 14 metropolitan areas that saw its unemployment rate decrease, to 3.9 percent from 4.2 percent.

Rockford and Kankakee claimed the highest unemployment rates, both at 5.9 percent. Bloomington had the lowest at 3.8 percent. Much of the state hovered between four and five percent.

The state, however, reported an increase in the number of jobs in eight regions, accompanied by a decline in five regions. The Peoria region was unchanged year-over-year.