The latest data shows the number of unemployed Illinois residents is at its lowest since September of 2007.
But officials with Governor Bruce Rauner's administration say Illinois is still lagging when it comes to job growth.
Bob Gough, with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, says the state has nearly 40,000 fewer jobs than peak employment, in pre-recession fall 2011.
"When you look at the dichotomy we have in Illinois, the Chicago metro, say, is doing better than downstate Illinois. But even that growth is anemic when you compare it to other major metros,” Gough said.
Illinois' unemployment rate last month was 5.5 percent, the same as it was in August. Nationally, unemployment is at 5 percent.
Gough says a loss of middle class and manufacturing jobs is a key concern.
