Illinois' unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent in January, the state's Department of Employment Security announced Thursday. 

The state's unemployment rate dropped from 6.2 percent in December. Illinois, however, saw a loss of 7,100 non-farm payroll jobs from December to January, according to preliminary data. But compared to January of 2014, Illinois has seen non-farm employment increase by 65,000 jobs.

"While a month-to-month decrease in nonfarm payrolls is not unusual, it's clear Illinois has more work to do to catch up with other states," Department of Employment Security Director Jeffrey Mays said in a release. "Our economy is simply not yet firing on all cylinders." 

Here's more from the state agency on January's employment report: "In January, three industry sectors posted large gains in employment: Leisure and Hospitality (+3,300); Educational and Health Services (+2,300); and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,600).  Four industry sectors reported large declines in employment: Professional and Business Services (-5,500); Government (-2,700); Construction (-2,500); and Manufacturing (-2,100)."

Back in January of 2014, the state's unemployment rate was 8.2 percent.