Covington County saw a slight decrease in the number of unemployed residents last month.

The county’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.8 percent, down from October’s 9.2 percent

The rate was below the state average of 9 percent and the national average of 9.8 percent.

With news of new industry, such as Support Systems Andalusia, Alabama, and others within the county, the number should continue to decline.

The only negative factor is the 135 Micolas Mill jobs being moved from Opp to Phenix City in January.

“We saw a small increase, but our unemployment rate continues to remain well below the national average and our Employment Service Division is reporting more active job orders than at any time in the past three years,” said Tom Surtees, director of the state department of industrial relations.

The counties with the lowest unemployment rates were: Shelby at 6.7 percent, Coffee at 7.0 percent, and Madison at 7.1 percent. The counties with the highest unemployment rates were: Wilcox at 20.7 percent, Greene at 18.3 percent and Dallas at 16.8 percent.

Neighboring counties stood were Geneva at 8 percent, Escambia at 10.6 percent, Coffee at 7 percent, Conecuh at 15.5 percent, Crenshaw at 8.9 percent and Butler at 11.5 percent.

– Kendra Bolling