As is the case with unemployment nationally, the percentage of Illinois' work force without a job is in a gradual decline. The Prairie State's unemployment rate dipped to 8.8 percent in September compared to 9.1 percent in August, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The state agency says that 13,800 jobs were added in September.

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest level it's been during President Barack Obama's presidency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics reported that 114,000 new jobs were created nationwide last month.