State unemployment rises to 12.2 percent; suburban rate soars

Unemployment rates in January soared above the previous year in all 12 metro areas for the 32nd consecutive month, according to data released Tuesday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The Chicago-Naperville-Joliet regional unemployment figure was 11.6 percent, compared to 8.4 percent the year before.

Metro areas that reported the largest increases compared to January 2009 were: Rockford (up 5.8 points to 19.7 percent), Peoria (up 5.5 points to 13 percent) and Decatur (up 5.2 points to 14.4 percent).

Total payroll jobs decreased over the year in 11 of the 12 metro areas. The largest percentage decreases in jobs were reported in Peoria (6.5 percent, 11,900), Decatur (5.9 percent, 3,200) and Rockford (5.9 percent, 8,600).

The January unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, was 12.2 percent in Illinois and 10.6 percent for the nation. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for a job regardless if they are eligible for unemployment insurance. A person not collecting unemployment benefits still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they continue to look for work.

"Although this preliminary data is subject to revision, there can be no doubt that the national recession continues to pressure job markets in communities throughout our state," IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said in a statement. "Economic downturns of this magnitude most likely will show job growth on a national level before sustained positive progress is evident here at home."