Kentucky officials say the state's unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level since the spring of 2001.
The state Office of Employment and Training said Thursday that last month's preliminary jobless rate was 4.9 percent, down from a 5 percent rate in September. The statewide rate in October 2014 was 5.6 percent.
Last month's statewide rate matches the 4.9 percent rate in May 2001.
Manoj Shanker, an economist with the agency, says hiring has been brisk across major sectors of Kentucky's economy. He says that despite a faltering global market, job growth in Kentucky's private sector has been strong.
State officials say employment gains occurred in a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, professional and business services, educational and health services, financial activities, construction and leisure and hospitality.
