Jobless rates fall in most Illinois metro areas

Jobless rates fell in February in most Illinois metropolitan areas compared to the same time last year, although most areas also lost jobs.

Figures released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security show the jobless rate dropped in eight of Illinois' 12 metro areas compared to February of 2013.

The Chicago-area rate in February was 9 percent, compared to 9.8 percent in February of 2013. Even so, that was higher than January's 8.6 percent.

Rockford's rate fell from 12.9 percent in February of 2013 to 12.1 percent last month. Danville's rate was sharply higher at 12.8 percent, compared to 11.9 percent last February.

Decatur's rate stood at 12.7 percent in February. The lowest rate was 8 percent, in Bloomington-Normal, though that area lost 1,900 jobs.

Lake-Kenosha added 10,300 jobs.