The state's unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent in June, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). 

Illinois' unemployment rate was 6 percent in May and 6.9 percent in June 2014. The U.S. unemployment rate in June was 5.3 percent.

According to IDES, the state lost 7,500 jobs last month.

The largest job losses were in the construction; leisure and hospitality; and "other services" industries.

Jobs gains were the greatest in the industries of trade, transportation and utilities; financial activities; and educational and health services.

Overall, Illinois had 382,400 unemployed workers in June, a 2.5 percent decrease over the previous month and a 14.5 percent decrease compared to one year ago.