ATLANTA — The preliminary unemployment rate in metro Hinesville decreased in November, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The GDoL reported Thursday that the Hinesville rate was 8.4 percent in November, down 0.1 percent from October. The rate was 8.9 percent in November 2011.

The rate declined because of fewer new layoffs in construction and professional and technical services.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in November, down 0.2 percent from October. The rate was 9.5 percent in November a year ago.

Statewide, there were 3,984,000 jobs in November, up 9,600, 0.2 percent, from 3,974,400 in October. Over the year, Georgia gained 61,900 jobs, or 1.6 percent, from 3,922,100 in November 2011.

Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 6.2 percent, while metro Dalton had the highest at 11 percent.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.