(KLZA)-- Unemployment rates were nearly steady in Southeast Nebraska during the month of October with only small fluctuations reported.

Pawnee County had the lowest unemployment rate in the area at 2.3%, while Gage County had the highest at 3.1%.

Other rates were 2.9% in Richardson County; 3% in Nemaha County; 2.7% in Johnson County and 2.7% in Otoe County.  

Statewide, the Nebraska Labor Department says the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.9 percent, which was the second lowest state rate in the nation.

North Dakota continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 2.8%.