RICHMOND — Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced a 3.7 percent decrease in the unemployment rate in Virginia on Friday. According to a press release, Virginia’s unemployment rate ranks second lowest among major U.S. states, which came behind Tennessee.

“In September, the private sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 41,400 jobs, while the public sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 1,000 jobs,” officials said in the release. “Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, eight of the eleven major industry divisions experienced employment gains.”

According to the release, Virginia’s nonfarm payroll employment is 42,400 jobs higher when compared to September of 2016.

“Over-the-year employment growth in Virginia has been positive for 42 consecutive months,” officials said in the release. “In September, Virginia’s over-the-year growth was 1.1 percent. Nationally, total nonfarm employment was up 1.2 percent from a year ago.”