Unemployment dropped in most Illinois metro years from April 2011 to April 2012, according to statistics released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The biggest decrease took place in the Rockford area, which saw a drop from 12.1 percent to 10.7 percent. The Chicago-Joilet-Naperville area experienced a dip from 9.5 percent to 9 percent.

While the numbers are encouraging, they are also signs unemployment will not continue its statewide decline. Statistics released last week show that job growth has slowed in Illinois, as state employers created just 100 more jobs last month.