Morgan County’s unemployment rate saw a significant drop in November to 6.3 percent, it’s lowest level in several years.

That represents 3,648 unemployed persons compared to 54,460 employed persons and a total workforce of 58,108.

The jobless rate was 7.4 percent in October and 7.2 percent in November 2011. However, the workforce shrank from October’s total of 54,447, but November’s workforce was larger than November 2011, which had 58,019. workers.

Decatur’s jobless rate also fell by 1 percent to 6.5 percent in November. A total of 4,765 workers were out of a job last month.

Alabama’s preliminary November unemployment rate is 7.5 percent, down from October’s rate of 8.1 percent and below the November 2011 rate of 8.3 percent.

Alabama’s November 2012 unemployment rate is also below the national rate of 7.7 percent. The state’s November rate represents 162,182 unemployed persons, compared to 174,867 in October and 180,003 in November 2011.

“We’re going to continue on the same path of working hard every day to recruit and attract more jobs for this state,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “The unemployment rate can fluctuate given the time of year. We are encouraged that the overall trend shows a decreasing unemployment rate, and I will continue my efforts to create more jobs until everyone who wants a job is able to find one.”

“November’s rate indicates that Alabama’s employers are expecting a strong holiday season,” said Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees. “The increase in retail hiring means that many people have jobs this Christmas that may otherwise have not. Even if some of the jobs are temporary, that still means that thousands of Alabamians will be able to provide for their families during the holiday season.”