The unemployment rate for the Raleigh / Cary area decreased by a percentage point from August to September, according to new statistics from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission.

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In fact, the rate decreased somewhat in 76 of the state's counties from August to September. Still, 45 counties are at the state's 10.4 percent unemployment rate.

The numbers can also be confusing since there are actually more people out of work for September than in August. There were 485,733 workers out of work in August as compared to 472,429 in September. Some have run out of time for receiving unemployment benefits.

"The global and national recession continues to affect our state," said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. "While 76 counties across North Carolina experienced an unemployment rate decrease, we must remember that most of these same counties remain at a high rate. We're encouraged by some recent job announcements, but we are also aware of some continued layoffs. The ESC continues to help job seekers connect with employers all across the state."

The September unemployment rate is 8.6 percent for Raleigh as compared to 8.7 in August.