The state Commerce Department said Friday that the unemployment rate in February dropped to 6.4 percent compared with 6.7 percent in January. The national unemployment average increased to 6.7 percent in February, from 6.6 percent in January.

 

Trade, transportation and utilities along with manufacturing saw the largest monthly increase in North Carolina jobs.

 

Overall, North Carolina's unemployment rate has dropped over 2 percentage points in the last year.

 

Gov. Pat McCrory praised the report, saying it was the first time in nearly eight years that the state's unemployment rate was below the national average.

 

McCrory says it shows the state is in position for a strong and steady comeback.