NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana's unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent for October, down from 7 percent in September, and 7.1 percent for October 2011.

Tuesday's report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed total employment of 1,940,995 in October. The September figure was 1,927,850.

The number listed as unemployed fell to 137,785 in October from 144,216 in September.

The labor force grew, according to the report, which said there were 2,078,780 people in the workforce in October, compared to 2,072,066 the month before.