COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ Ohio's unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in September, remaining below the national rate of 5.1 percent for the month. 

The Department of Job and Family Services says Ohio's jobless rate for September fell from a revised 4.6 percent in August. 

The state said Ohio had 254,000 unemployed in September 2015, down 11,000 from 265,000 in August.

Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment decreased 8,600 over the month. 

Job losses over the month were reported in manufacturing, construction, mining, logging, trade, transportation and utilities. Job gains were reported in leisure and hospitality, educational and health services, financial activities and information. 

The number of unemployed in Ohio has decreased by 51,000 in the past 12 months. Last month's unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 5.3 percent in September 2014.