Unemployment rates in Illinois increased slightly from September 2012 to October, but are still down compared to 2011, according to new figures released last week. 

October local unemployment rates fell in every metro area compared to last year, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

In Will County unemployment ticked up in October to 8.1 percent from 7.7 percent in September. In Kendall County unemployment increased to 7.1 percent from 6.6 percent in September. 

"Falling unemployment rates across our state and the lowest October rates since 2008 show that that our steady economic progress continues," IDES Director Jay Rowell said in a news release. "We now look to Congress to address the fiscal cliff. If not resolved, our future economic progress will be in jeopardy."

IDES generally reports unemployment figures for municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more people. The numbers measure unemployment for residents who live in a certain town, not those who work in the town. 

Statewide the unemployment rate increased from 8.1 percent in September 2012 to 8.4 percent in October. Compared to October 2011, unemployment in Illinois has dropped 1.2 percent. 

The U.S. average unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in October 2012. 

KENDALL/WEST WILL