The Columbus metro area unemployment rate was static in October, remaining unchanged at 8.7 percent from September, the Georgia Department of Labor reported today.

A year ago, the area’s jobless rate was 9.3 percent.

The Columbus area rate this month mirrors that of Georgia as a whole, with the state posting an 8.7 percent mark in October as well.

Alabama fared somewhat better, posting an 8.1 percent rate in October.

In Georgia, Athens remained the best metro area performer with a 6.2 percent jobless number. Dalton is still the worst at 11.3 percent.

Breaking down area counties, in Georgia, Muscogee’s rate came in at 8.8 percent, Harris at 6.4 percent, Troup at 9.3 percent, Chattahoochee at 18 percent, Stewart at 11 percent, Talbot at 8.7 percent and Marion at 8.2 percent.

In Alabama, the October jobless rate was 9.4 percent in Russell County, 6.7 percent in Lee, 9.4 percent in Chambers and 11.9 percent in Barbour.