(Harrisburg) -- The state's most recent unemployment numbers show signs of improvement across the commonwealth and more people are working in the midstate, too. October's statewide unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, down from 8.3 percent in September. The number is below the national rate of nine percent. Retailers adding staff for the holiday season contributed to the improved employment situation and the leisure and hospitality sector showed the largest increase with 4,000 jobs added. The state Department of Labor and Industry shows most of the midstate's joblessness numbers are below the statewide figures. The Lebanon area has the region's lowest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Lancaster, Adams and Franklin counties are around 6.5 percent. The two exceptions are Schuylkill County, with the highest number in the region at 9.4 percent and Northumberland County at 8.6 percent.