July unemployment rates rise in 30 states

Unemployment rates rose in 30 states in July, reflecting an increase in the national jobless rate despite continued strong job growth.

Unemployment fell in eight states and was unchanged in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

The jobless rate increased significantly in six states, rising in South Carolina to 5.7% from 5.3%; Tennessee, to 7.1% from 6.6%; Georgia, to 7.8% from 7.4%; Wyoming, to 4.4% from 4%; and Vermont, to 3.7% from 3.4%.

Last month, Mississippi had the highest unemployment rate at 8%. North Dakota continued to have the lowest, 2.8%.

Nationally, the jobless rate last month ticked up to 6.2% from 6.1% despite 209,000 job gains — the sixth straight month of 200,000-plus additions — as an improving labor market drew many Americans back into the labor force.