The unemployment rate rose in most Illinois metro areas from January 2016 to January 2017.
State Employment security spokesman Bob Gough says nine areas, including Elgin, Springfield, and Danville, saw increases from January 2016 to 2017. However, the most notable increase was in Rockford, which saw a double-digit increase of 11%. Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesman Bob Gough attributes this to the temporary closure of Belvidere's Fiat Chrysler auto plant.
A few areas saw drops, including the Chicago-area, the Illinois section of St. Louis, and parts of the Quad Cities.
