COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce says the state's unemployment rate dropped slightly from 11.1 percent in August to 11 percent in September.

The DEW says this is the 5th straight month the state's labor force has increased. It is now estimated at 2,169,414. September saw a rise in employment of 7,061, bringing the total number employed to 1,931,654.

The national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 9.1 percent.

In our area...

Marion County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 19.8%, down .1% over August.

Marlboro County was 3rd in the state with 19%, up from 18.6% in August.

Dillon County had 15.9% unemployment in September. Darlington County had 12.3%, while Florence County had 11.1%.

Georgetown County saw 10.8% in September, followed by Horry County with 10.5%. Horry County saw the greatest change in our area, edging up from 9.9% in August.

According to the DEW:

"Nonfarm payroll employment declined for the third consecutive month, falling from August to September by 10,600. Manufacturing, which has seen gains in 10 of the last 12 months, declined 2,000 in September, but is up 9,500 from a year ago.

Increases were recorded in Government (+9,700), mainly in Education Services, and Professional and Business Services (+2,400). As is usual this time of year, Leisure and Hospitality experienced a drop of 12,200 in employment. Declines were also seen in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-4,400) and Manufacturing employment (-2,000).

Over-the-year, nonfarm payroll employment continues to grow by 11,900. This upward trend was mainly caused by over-the-year advances in Manufacturing, Professional and Business Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance.

The Conference Board's Help Wanted Online Index reflected that the number of online ads in South Carolina increased by 800 (to 46,000 ads) from August to September. Nationally, there was a decline of 43,500 ads posted in September. South Carolina's neighboring states experiencing a similar upward trend include North Carolina (+200) and Florida (+1,400). Georgia's online ads fell 1,500."

"This organization recognizes the impact it has on the lives of South Carolinians. We are working everyday to increase efficiency, streamline our processes and eliminate errors so that the men and women in our state can find a job." said SC Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Abraham Turner. "I am optimistic that employment in South Carolina will continue to improve."