The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County dropped to 10.2 percent in November, down from 10.5 percent in October, the state Employment Development Department announced on Friday.
The 10.2 percent unemployment rate was below the 12.1 percent rate in November 2011, according to the EDD.
California's jobless rate was 9.8 percent in November, down from 10.1 percent in October and down from November 2011, when the rate was 11.3 percent, according to the EDD.
The comparable estimates for the nation were 7.7 percent in November, 7.9 percent in October and 8.7 percent a year ago.
Total nonfarm employment increased by 17,400 jobs in Los Angeles County between October and November to reach 3.9 million. The trade, transportation and utilities sector saw the largest gain, adding 15,900 jobs.
A total of 489,000 people were unemployed in November in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.8 million. Statewide, about 1.8 million people were out of work, down slightly from 1.85 million the previous month.