January local unemployment rates increased in seven of 12 metro areas, decreased in three, and were unchanged in two compared to last year, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Not seasonally adjusted data compares January 2013 to January 2012. Largest increases were in: Decatur MSA (up 2.9 points to 14 percent), the Danville MSA (up 0.9 point to 11.8 percent), and the Peoria MSA (up 0.9 point to 10 percent). The Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metropolitan Division rate was up 0.4 point to 9.9 percent.

Jobs were added in six metro areas, declined in four and were unchanged in two. The largest increases were in: Champaign-Urbana (+2.6 percent, +2,600), Rockford (+2 percent, +2,800) and Chicago-Joliet-Naperville (+1.6 percent, +56,700).