(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures dropped significantly during the month of May in Nebraska.

Statewide the unemployment rate dropped 3.5 percent to 5.2 percent in May, which is the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

In Southeast Nebraska the jobless rates were much better than the previous month.

Richardson and Pawnee counties had the lowest unemployment rate in the area at just 2.8 percent.  That represents a drop of 2.6 percent in Richardson County and 1.9 percent in Pawnee County.  

Gage County had the biggest decrease in unemployment, dropping more than 5 percent to 4.1 percent in May.  Elsewhere the unemployment rates were 3.8 percent in Johnson and Otoe counties and 3.9 percent in Nemaha County. 

Governor Pete Ricketts said the improved unemployment rate in the state is good news or small businesses and hardworking families who have already returned to work.

Nationally the jobless rate was 12.3 percent in May, down from 14.7 percent in April.