Idaho's unemployment rate fell its lowest rate since May 2009 in September as some people found work and the size of the labor force shrank for the fourth straight month.

The jobless rate dipped to 7.1 percent from 7.4 percent in August as 1,200 more Idahoan found jobs. Idaho's total number of unemployed dropped to 55,300 from 67,400 a year ago. Total employment was 720,600, the highest number in four years.

Unemployment in the Boise metro area fell to 6.8 percent, down from 9 percent a year ago with 20,763 out of work.

At the same time the size of the workforce — which included those working or looking for work — dropped by 500. Six thousand people have left Idaho's workforce since May.

Overall the report shows slow, but sustainable growth that could weather economic setbacks, Idaho Department of Labor officials said.

All job sectors in Idaho saw increased payrolls in September except construction and information. Construction employment was severely hit by the recession as the housing market imploded.