Alabama’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.5% for November, down from October’s rate of 8.1% and below the November 2011 rate of 8.3%. Alabama’s rate is also below the national average of 7.7% Preliminary numbers indicate that 162,182 Alabamians were unemployed in November 2012. This number does not include those people who have given up looking for work.

“The unemployment rate can fluctuate given the time of year,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “We are encouraged that the overall trend shows a decreasingly unemployment rate, and I will continue my efforts to create more jobs until everyone who wants a job is able to find one.”

Retail employment increased by 3,700 jobs in November, the build of that coming from hiring in general merchandise and department stores. The counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby (4.6%), Lee and Madison (5.6%) and St. Clair, Coffee, Blount and Limestone (5.7%). The counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox (15.9%), Bullock (14.1%) and Dallas (13.2%). Jefferson County’s unemployment rates was 6.4%.