The employment picture continued to improve in Anson in October, as it did for most of the state.

The unemployment rate in Anson fell to 11.1 percent, down from 11.8 percent in September, according to a statement from the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina. The statewide rate was 9.1 percent. North Carolina had 45 counties that were below the state's 9.1 percent unemployment rate.

"Over the year, we have seen unemployment rates decline in 90 counties; however, one-third of the counties had rates greater than 10 percent in October," ESC Chairman Lynn R. Holmes said in the statement. "We continue to face economic challenges with respect to job growth, but we at ESC continue to assist those looking for work and those who qualify for unemployment benefits."

Unemployment rates fell in 66 of the state's 100 counties in October, increased in 18 counties and stayed the same in 16. However, only 15 counties in North Carolina are suffering from worse unemployment.

The number of unemployed people in October was 408,852, compared with 417,450 in September.

Throughout the region, the picture looked similar. Stanly County had an unemployment rate of 10.5 percent, Richmond 11.8 percent and Union County 8.4 percent.

Currituck County had the state's lowest unemployment rate in October, at 4.9 percent. Meanwhile, Scotland County had the highest, at 14.7 percent.

Anson's unemployment rate was at its highest, 17.1 percent, in January and 15.8 percent one year ago.