NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana's unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent for October, down from 7 percent in September, and 7.1 percent for October 2011.
Tuesday's report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed total employment of 1,940,995 in October. The September figure was 1,927,850.
The number listed as unemployed fell to 137,785 in October from 144,216 in September.
The labor force grew, according to the report, which said there were 2,078,780 people in the workforce in October, compared to 2,072,066 the month before.
"Over the month, six of the 11 industry sectors had increases in employment, four showed declines, and the manufacturing sector showed no change. After leisure and hospitality, the largest gain from September was seen in information, which added 3,300 jobs," the state's labor department said.
"The largest monthly decline was seen in construction, which lost 1,500 jobs. Mining and logging fell by 800, while other services dropped 700 jobs over the month. Finally, the government sector showed a decline of 300 over the month."
Metropolitan area statistics showed the Alexandria area with a 6.1 percent unemployment rate for October, the same as September; Baton Rouge had a 6.2 percent rate, unchanged from the previous month; Houma-Thibodaux, 4.3 percent, up slightly from 4.2 percent; Lafayette, 4.2, up from 4.1; Lake Charles, 5.8, up from 5.7 percent; Monroe, 6.7, down from 6.8; New Orleans, 6.5, down from 6.7; Shreveport, unchanged at 6.5 percent.
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