Total employment in the Spokane-Spokane Valley metropolitan statistical area fell by about 8,500 jobs in October, compared with the year-earlier month, according to preliminary data released by the Washington state Employment Security Department.

Employment in the MSA, which includes Spokane, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties, totaled 273,400 last month.

The October total also is about 600 jobs lower than September’s job total.

Meantime, Spokane MSA’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% compared with the year-earlier month, according to ESD preliminary data, indicating fewer people may be looking for work than a year ago.

The October rate, however, is higher than the September unemployment rate of 3.8%.

By comparison, the statewide unemployment rate in October was 4.7% in October, up from 3.8% in the year earlier month, and 4.8% in September, ESD figures show.