Ohio's unemployment rate was unchanged in September at 9.1 percent, but the number of people employed dropped by 21,600 from August, second highest among states.

Payrolls fell in 25 states in September, led by North Carolina with 22,200, and followed by Ohio, a sign the weakness in hiring is broad-based.

Michigan's jobless rate, however, slipped last month to 11.1 percent, down from 11.2 percent the month before. That was the third highest in the nation, behind Nevada, at 13.4 percent, and California, at 11.9 percent. Michigan's employment increased by 4,000 to 4.17 million. The number of unemployed decreased by 6,000 last month to 520,000.

In Ohio, the state Department of Job and Family Services said yesterday, the September rate was on par with the national rate. Ohio's number of unemployed declined by 2,000 to 534,000.

The number of Ohioans working slumped to 5.11 million last month. The seasonally adjusted figures show there were 4,600 fewer goods-producing jobs than the month before, with 4,700 fewer manufacturing jobs, 100 fewer in other goods-sector jobs, and 200 more construction jobs.

There were 17,000 fewer service-producing jobs, derived from declines of 6,300 in leisure and hospitality, 5,200 in health and educational services, 2,900 in financial activities, 2,800 in other services, 1,000 in government, and 500 in professional and business services, offset by gains of 1,000 in information, and 700 in trade, transportation, and utilities.

The national economy needs to generate faster sustained job growth to lower unemployment and spur the consumer spending.

The biggest job gains last month occurred in Florida, where employers boosted payrolls by 23,300. Employment in Texas rose by 15,400 workers and increased in Louisiana by 14,100. Over the last 12 months, 47 states gained jobs, while two, Delaware and Georgia, showed a decline. Nationwide, the jobless rate decreased in 25 states last month.

First Published October 22, 2011, 5:38 a.m.