Beaufort County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.6 percent in October 2016 to 5.5 percent in November 2016, according to information compiled by the Labor & Economics Analysis Division of the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Unlike in Beaufort County, 66 of the state’s 100 counties saw their unemployment rates increase from October 2016 to November 2016. Jobless rates declined in 23 counties and remained unchanged in 11 counties, according to LEAD data.

“Despite North Carolina’s increased unemployment rate, signs point to a continuation of our economic expansion heading toward 2017. Yes, the picture isn’t quite as rosy as it looked this summer — with six straight months of increased unemployment insurance claims. However, broader trends remain positive. NC’s continuing to grow jobs. More people are participating in the labor force. And the US economy as a whole, which greatly impacts local conditions, is showing no signs of slowing. Bring on ’17,” according to a department news release.

The state’s unemployment rate for November was 4.8 percent, unchanged from October.

Among the state’s 100 counties in November, 51 of them had unemployment rates of 5 percent or lower, 49 counties had jobless rates between 5 percent and 10 percent and no county had a jobless rate of 10 percent or higher. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate in November at 9.4 percent, according to LEAD data. Orange County had the lowest jobless rate in November at 3.9 percent.

For November, Beaufort County’s jobless rated was ranked 70^th in the state.

Beaufort County’s workforce for November totaled 20,406 people, with 19,277 on the job and earning paychecks. That left 1,129 people in that workforce without employment, according to LEAD data. Beaufort County’s workforce for October came to 20,389 people, with 19,277 on the job and earning paychecks. That left 1,145 people in that workforce without employment, according to LEAD data.

Hyde County’s jobless rate increased from 7.1 percent in October to 9.4 percent in November. In November 2015, its unemployment rate was at 8.6 percent.

From October to November, Martin County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.9 percent to 6.6 percent. In November 2015, its jobless rate was at 7.5 percent.

Pitt County’s jobless rate was at 5.1 percent in November, down from 5.9 percent in the previous month. In November 2015, its unemployment rate was at 5.7 percent.

Washington County’s unemployment rate increased from 7.2 percent in October to 7.5 percent in November. In November 2015, the county’s jobless rate was at 8.9 percent.

The Washington statistical area’s jobless rate in November was 5.5 percent, down from 5.6 percent in the previous month. The Greenville-Washington combined statistical area’s jobless rate for November was 5.2 percent, down from 5.8 percent in October.

Of the state’s 15 metropolitan statistical areas, five of the six MSAs east of Interstate 95 and the Fayetteville MSA had the highest unemployment rates in November, all above or at the state rate of 4.8 percent, according to LEAD figures. The Wilmington MSA’s jobless rate for November was 4.5 percent.

The jobless figures released by the Commerce Department do not include unemployed people whose unemployment insurance benefits expired and who are not listed as unemployed. Factor in those people and a county’s true jobless rate is higher.