Moore County's unemployment rate has dropped for the third straight month.

The jobless rate decreased from 9.7 percent to 9.5 percent from August to September, according to new numbers released by the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina (ESC). That's below the state's unadjusted unemployment rate of 10.4 percent.

"The global and national recession continues to affect our state," said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr in the release. "While 76 counties across North Carolina experienced an unemployment rate decrease, we must remember that most of these same counties remain at a high rate. We're encouraged by some recent job announcements, but we are also aware of some continued layoffs. The ESC continues to help job seekers connect with employers all across the state."

Moore County currently has 36,951 workers in its labor force. Of that number, 33,438 are employed, while 3,513 are out of work.

Unemployment rates decreased in 76 counties across the state last month. Rates increased in 14 counties, and remained the same in 10, according to the release.

Rates decreased in 12 of the state's Metropolitan Statistical Areas, increased in one and remained the same in one.

Total county employment across the state (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in September by 1,907 workers, to 4,054,662. Not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment decreased by 13,304 workers. The unemployment total in September was 47,2,429 workers, compared with 485,733 in August.

In September, $223.8 million in benefits was paid to 204,3030 individuals statewide, compared with $217.8 million to 218,257 individuals in August.

Currituck County had the state's lowest unemployment rate last month at 5 percent. It was the only county in the state to have a rate at 5 percent or less. On the other end of the scale, nearby Scotland County again had the state's highest unemployment rate at 16.5 percent.

Thirty-five counties had rates between 5 and 10 percent, while 64 had rates above 10 percent.

Moore County still finds itself in the same position relative to its neighbors. Chatham County (8.0 percent), Hoke County (8.3 percent) and Cumberland County (9.1 percent) continue to post lower rates.

Meanwhile, Harnett County (10.9 percent), Randolph County (11.0 percent), Richmond County (13.2 percent), Montgomery County (13.3 percent) and Lee County (13.5 percent) all have higher rates.

Contact John Krahnert III at (910) 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com