THE JOBLESS rate in Orange County dropped from 3.7 percent in November to 3.5 percent in December.

The unemployment rate for Orange County fell in December, although the number of people in the work force declined, according to a report issued by the state Employment Development Department on Friday.

Joblessness fell from 3.7 percent in November 2016 to 3.5 percent in December. The state rate is 5 percent and the national rate is at 4.5 percent for the small period.

Total non-farming employment in Orange County declined in December from 1,614,200 to 1,611,100, a drop of 2,100 jobs. The biggest decline was in construction, a reduction of 2,300 jobs, according to the EDD.

Also showing a decline was the category of business and professional services, with a decrease of 1,700 jobs. The only categories showing monthly increases were trade, transportation and utilities (up 3,500) and financial activities (up 1,700).

Compared to the same time last year, the number of jobs has increased by 31,400 positions, or 2 percent.