ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) - The Minnesota unemployment rate dropped to a seasonally adjusted 6.9 percent in September, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The unemployment rate was 0.3 percent below the August unemployment rate and well below the U.S. unemployment rate in September of 9.1 percent.

Employment statewide declined by 7,400 jobs in September. In the past year, however, Minnesota employers have added 27,700 jobs, representing a growth rate of 1 percent.