The unemployment rate in November was unchanged from the October number at 5.6 percent, according to a report from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

The rate represents 800 people who couldn’t find work. That number decreased from 810 in October – the labor force also decreased in October, leading to the identical jobless rate for both months.

This year’s November unemployment rate is the lowest in five years. The unemployment rate was 5.9 percent in 2014. It was highest — 9.9 percent — in 2010. The 12-month average is 6.0.

Lincoln County’s rate is ranked 22 out of 82 counties. The lowest unemployment rate in the state is Rankin County at 3.7 percent, and the highest is Issaquena at 14.2 percent.

The state unemployment rate is 5.8 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate is 4.8.

Among the surrounding counties, Lincoln County’s unemployment rate is the lowest. Copiah’s is 6.4, Lawrence’s is 7.0, Walthall’s is 6.8, Pike’s is 6.7, Amite’s is 6.9, Franklin’s is 6.6 and Jefferson’s is 11.6.

There were 63 initial unemployment claims and 369 continued claims in November. Last month there were 46 initial claims and 372 continued claims.

Unemployment insurance benefits paid for November 2015 were $60,216, up from $54,999 in October. It was up from $55,329 in November 2014.

For more information, visit mdes.ms.gov.