FROM STAFF REPORTS

Shelby County’s unemployment rate saw a sharp decline in November, dropping to 5.4 percent from October’s rate of 6.1 percent.

November’s rate represents a drop of more than 1 percent from September’s rate of 6.7 percent.

The state of Alabama is also enjoying a drop in the jobless rate, with November’s rate of 8.7 percent a drop from October’s rate of 9.3 percent.

Gov. Robert Bentley said the government is working hard to create jobs for Alabama citizens.

“November’s drop in the unemployment rate shows positive momentum needed at a time when our economy is struggling. We still have a long way to go before we reach full employment, but another month with a decrease in unemployment is certainly a good sign our economy is improving,” Bentley said in a press release.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates were Shelby, Coffee at 6.2 percent and Pike at 6.6 percent.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox at 17.8 percent, Perry at 15.6 percent and Bullock at 15.5 percent.