Area jobless rate below 5 percent

The unemployment rate fell below 5 percent in the Fredericksburg area in November, just the second month that's happened since December 2008.

The regional rate was 4.9 percent in November, down from 5.5 percent one year ago, according to Virginia Employment Commission data released Tuesday. The rate also hit 4.9 percent in April 2012.

The region comprises the city of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

Stafford had the region's lowest rate at 4.3 percent, which was tied for 10th-best in the state. Spotsylvania's rate was 4.4 percent, tied for 14th. Fredericksburg had the area's highest rate at 7.8 percent.

Virginia's rate was 5.3 percent in November. The national rate was 7.4 percent. None of the figures have been adjusted for seasonal factors.

--Bill Freehling