The unemployment rate in Illinois fell below 9 percent in January, according to figures released Thursday morning by the state.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell for the 12th consecutive month;  Illinois’ jobless rate peaked at 11.2 percent in January 2010.

“Long-term trends of falling unemployment rates and rising job numbers continue to reflect a strengthening Illinois economy,” said Maureen O’Donnell, director of the state Department of Employment Security.