COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state says Ohio’s unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since 2001, dropping to an even 5 percent in July.

The Department of Job and Family Services says Ohio’s jobless rate remained below the national rate, which was 5.3 percent for last month.

Ohio’s unemployment had held steady at 5.2 percent for the three previous months.

The state says Ohio has 286,000 unemployed workers in July, down 10,000 from June. Job losses were reported in categories including the service-providing sector, manufacturing and construction. Gains were reported in jobs in local and state government.