Unemployment fell one-half percent in Warren County and statewide in November, following a similar track measured nationwide.

Local joblessness was 9.3 percent during the month, down from 9.8 percent in October, according to totals released Wednesday by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Statewide, the rate stood at 9 percent, down from 9.5 percent for October. Adjusted for seasonal factors in the work force, the state’s rate spikes to 9.6 percent.

The rate is based on people actively seeking work in comparison with the total number in the work force.

For November, the local totals show a smaller labor force, with 22,230 in the pool versus 22,350 in October. That, plus fewer reporting as unemployed during the month — 2,070 versus 2,200 — caused the rate to improve.

The state reported job losses in the government, educational and health services and leisure and hospitality sectors. Locally, job additions in the restaurant sector with the reopening of Duff’s on Washington Street have been offset by layoffs at Horizon Casino.

Rankin County posted the lowest unemployment, at 5.9 percent, followed by Scott County at 6.2 percent. Both are down about a half percent for the month. Clay County remained the highest, at 17.8 percent. Claiborne and Jefferson counties showed 15.6 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively, both down for the month.

Nationally, the jobless rate lowered to 10 percent, down from a two-decade high of 10.2 percent in October.

Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com