BY BILL FREEHLING

The local labor market improved in December compared with the year prior, Virginia Employment Commission data released Wednesday indicate.

The regional jobless rate was 5.8 percent in December, down from 6.1 percent in December 2010. It was up from 5.5 percent in November. The rate continues to be higher than the region's five- and 10-year averages.

The region comprises Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The figures aren't adjusted for seasonal factors.

The jobless rate was down year-over-year in every individual area locality. Fauquier County's 4.5 percent rate cracked the top five in Virginia, trailing only Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, in that order.

Stafford and Spotsylvania counties both finished in the top 20 in Virginia with jobless rates of 5.1 percent.

The statewide rate was 6.1 percent in December, 12th best in the country and down from 6.4 percent in December 2010. The U.S. rate was 8.3 percent.

The city of Fredericksburg had the highest jobless rate of any area locality at 9.2 percent.

Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com