JACKSON, MI – Jackson County’s unemployment rate was 6.8 percent in November, the state reported Thursday.

This represents a decrease from 7 percent in October and is below the November 2011 unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

The state’s seasonally adjusted figures showed 4,800 Jackson County residents were unemployed in November, compared to 5,000 in September and 5,700 in November 2011.

The unemployment rate represents more than just those who are collecting unemployment benefits, according to the Michigan Labor Market Information website. The rate also includes those who have left their jobs voluntarily, those re-entering the workforce after a period of time, those entering the workforce for the first time and those who have exhausted their jobless benefits.

Check back to www.mlive.com/jackson later today for more on Jackson County's unemployment rate.