Unemployment rates in Illinois metro areas declined for the fifth straight month in August.
In a report released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the department announced that jobless rates in all 12 metros areas fell over the last five months.
Rockford's unemployment rate was 9.4% in August 2014. That's down from 11.4% one year ago.
The statewide rate also fell, dropping to 6.7% in this past August from 9.1% in August 2013.
The numbers in the report are not seasonally adjusted.
Credit Illinois Department of Employment Security