Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina’s unemployment rate tied its lowest level in 16 years in May, dropping 0.2 points to 4.5% according to figures released by the state Department of Commerce on Friday.

North Carolina had the country’s third-highest jobs increase in May, adding nearly 19,000 over the previous month. The state has added more than 69,000 jobs in the past year.

“North Carolina is outpacing the nation and our regional neighbors in job creation as the state House of Representatives keeps our long-term commitment to providing tax relief to families, spending responsibly through balanced budgets and reforming regulations to improve our economic climate and lower the cost of doing business,” said House Speaker Tim Moore.