According to the latest statistics released by the Alabama Department of Labor – Cherokee County remains below the statewide unemployment rate, which has dropped yet again.

The statewide rate dropped from 5.7% in July to 5.4% in August; that rate a year ago was at 6.1%.

Cherokee County’s rate stands at a flat 5.0%; and in the surrounding areas Cleburne County posted a rate of 5.4; Etowah County, a rate of 5.7%; DeKalb County, 5.8% and the latest rate in Calhoun County was 6.2%.

Alabama has seen significant gains in the manufacturing, education and health services and trade, transportation and utilities sectors.

Overall, 66 of Alabama’s 67 counties experienced a drop in their unemployment numbers.

Counties posting the lowest unemployment rates for August include Shelby County at 4.2%, Elmore at 4,7% and Cullman at 4.8; the highest numbers were reported in Wilcox County at 13.8%, Clarke County at 11.1 and Perry County at 10.9%.