Covington County’s unemployment rate continued its steady decline in November, falling 0.3 percent. October’s rate was 0.5 percent lower than the unemployment rate for September.

Figures released Friday by the state’s Department of Industrial Relations show 1,489 people in Covington County filed unemployment claims, dropping the unemployment rate from October’s 9.8 percent to 9.5 percent for November.

It’s still a large difference from this time last year when the county saw only 6.3 percent unemployment. However, Covington County’s economic outlook is much better that not only the state as a whole, but also several of its neighboring counties.

Covington fell in the mid-range of surrounding counties with Coffee at 7.8 percent, Geneva at 9.7 percent, Crenshaw at 9.7 percent, Escambia at 12.5 percent, Butler at 16.4 percent and Conecuh at 19.9 percent.

Alabama’s unemployment rate for November fell four-tenths of a percent from 10.9 in October to 10.5 percent in November.

The rate represents 217,350 unemployed persons, compared to 226,466 in October. Wage and salary employment increased by 5,200 over the month, with most of the increase in the sectors of trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services, educational and health services, and manufacturing. Monthly losses occurred in the sectors of financial activities, other services, and leisure and hospitality.

“We are certainly glad to see a drop in the unemployment rate, but we need to keep in mind that a one month drop is not a trend,” said ADIR Director Tom Surtees. “I also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the services to assist the unemployed and underemployed that are available at our area Career Centers throughout the state. The trained employees at the Career Centers can provide assistance in finding a job, getting trained for a job, or finishing a high school education, along with many other valuable resources.”

A complete listing of the Career Centers in Alabama is available at www.dir.alabama.gov or at www.joblink.alabama.gov.