RALEIGH -- North Carolina's unemployment rate is continuing to improve. The state Commerce Department says the rate in February dropped to 6.4 percent compared to the national average which increased to 6.7 percent in February.

Governor McCrory says the numbers prove the state is in position for a strong and steady comeback. Larry Parker Public Information Officer with the State Commerce Department agrees.

"When you can at least see a trend going there of those non-farm jobs increasing, and we have certainly over the last year, I think that is a sign that things are going in the right direction."

Trade, transportation and utilities along with manufacturing saw the largest monthly increase