Joblessness in Warren County fell nearly three points in August, reversing a three-month trend of rising unemployment.

Local unemployment was 9.2 percent for the month, down from an adjusted 12 percent in July, according to figures released Wednesday by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. The decrease resulted from a 3 percent shrinkage in the local labor force itself, figures showed. However, it is the first time the local rate had dipped below double digits since November.

Unemployment statewide also dipped, to 8.8 percent from a revised 11.5 percent in July, thanks to a 3 percent drop in the labor force. Nationally, unemployment stood at 9.5 percent, down slightly from a revised 9.7 percent in July. Adjusted for seasonal factors in the work force, the state’s rate is 10 percent and the national rate 9.6 percent.

Job placement had taken off locally since the spring thanks to the Mississippi STEPS program, which pays wages and benefits up to six months for those who went to WIN Job Center locations in counties across the state. Vicksburg had 102 people enrolled in the program, Vicksburg WIN Job Center branch manager Terry Hodges said.

The hiring incentive program ends Sept. 30, as does a separate summer jobs program that placed 36 people in August, Hodges said.

Statewide figures reflected gains in the construction, professional and business services, educational and health services and leisure and hospitality categories, according to MDES.

Rankin County posted the lowest unemployment in April, at 5.1 percent, down from 6.9 percent in July and showing a 2 percent dip in the overall labor force. Noxubee County posted the highest, at 18.5 percent, down from 22.5 percent a month ago.

Among area counties, Claiborne posted the biggest decrease for August, at 14.3 percent from 18.4 percent in April. Sharkey County stood at 10.4 percent, down from 12.9 percent, and Issaquena fell to 7.5 percent from 10.9 percent in July.