Despite reports of improving economy, the number of unemployment claims in Westchester County continued to creep up in September, but at a slower rate.

Nationwide, unemployment hit a 26-year high of 9.6 percent. In Westchester and Rockland counties, the jobless rate reached 7.4 percent. In Orange County, unemployment was at 8.2 percent in September, but didn't increase from August. Putnam County reported the lowest jobless rate of 7.0 percent, with a 0.1 percent increase.

Overall, unemployment held steady in New York at 8.9 percent.

According to a new report, 30,000 jobs were created in the first months of the economic stimulus program, mainly in construction and infrastructure.