Like unemployment rates in all North Carolina counties, the rates in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties fell slightly for September, according to figures released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

New Hanover County posted the lowest unemployment rate, at 5.1 percent, for the three counties. That rate was down from 5.2 percent in September 2014 and from August's rate of 5.6 percent.

Brunswick County logged an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent for September, down from 6.8 percent the previous year and from 7 percent in August.

Pender County unemployment was at 5.7 percent in September, down from 6.2 percent a year ago and from a rate of 6.4 percent in August.

September figures from the state agency indicated that 21 North Carolina counties had unemployment rates below 5 percent; 77 counties had rates from 5 to 10 percent; and only two counties - Graham and Scotland - had unemployment rates above 10 percent.

Year-over-year in the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the sector showing the biggest gain in employment last month was business and professional services, which rose 6.7 percent. Employment in financial activities rose 3.4 percent, while in education and health services, employment increased 2.9 percent.

The Wilmington MSA consists of New Hanover and Pender counties.

To see the full report of county and MSA labor market conditions released Wednesday, click here.