(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana’s unemployment rate fell slightly in November continuing a slow decline over the past four months.

The state seasonally-adjusted jobless rate was down one-tenth of a percent from October to 9.8 percent last month, putting Indiana’s rate even with the national rate.

"Indiana's unemployment rate has decreased by four-tenths of a percent since the summer. This decline is noteworthy because the U.S. rate has been going up during the same period," said Mark W. Everson, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development.

Indiana did lose 2,600 private sector jobs during the month, but remains ahead two percent for the year in that category with 46,200 private positions added since Jan. 1.

According to the department, Sectors with significant gains were Professional and Business Services (7,600). Leisure and Hospitality (1,500) and Financial Activities (500).

Sectors showing significant declines are Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-5,000), Manufacturing (-4,400) and Construction (-2,100).

Total non-farm employment decreased (-1,800) in November.

In southeast Indiana, many counties saw unemployment wane. Dearborn County unemployment fell three points to 9.7 percent, Franklin County was at 9.5, Ohio County to 8.8.

Switzerland County again had the lowest in southeast Indiana at 7.0 percent.

Ripley County claimed the region’s highest unemployment rate up three-tenths of a percent to 9.9 percent in November.

Indiana tied for second among neighboring states in November unemployment. Illinois had the lowest at 9.6 percent, Ohio was even with Indiana at 9.8, Kentucky was at 10.2, and Michigan declined 0.4 to 12.4 percent.

SOUTHEAST INDIANA NON-SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT

Data Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development