ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) - The Minnesota unemployment rate fell 0.2 percent in December to a seasonally adjusted 5.7 percent, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The state unemployment rate has fallen 1.5 percent since August, the biggest decrease over a four-month span on record in Minnesota, dating back to 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate in December was 8.5 percent.

Minnesota gained 7,900 jobs in December and 25,300 jobs for the full year. Over the past year, total jobs in the state have grown 1 percent, compared with a U.S. growth rate of 1.3 percent in 2011.

"The Minnesota unemployment rate continues to move in the right direction, reaching its lowest level since September 2008," said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. "The labor market is recovering at a slow but steady pace."