Schuylkill County's unemployment rate increased 0.04 of a percentage point to 9.3 in June, the highest mark since 9.4 percent in November, as it reflects typical seasonal changes and an increased labor force, an expert said.
"Even though the rate did go up, there are positives," said Steven Zellers, industry and business analyst with the state Department of Labor & Industry. "A single month does not a trend make."
Zellers said the rate usually goes up in June because there are fewer jobs in education.
"The labor force increases while not everyone is able to find jobs and the rate goes up," Zellers said.
The state's seasonally adjusted rate increased 0.01 of a point over the month to 7.5 percent while the national rate remained unchanged at 8.2 percent.
"The rate went up in virtually every area of the state; however, (the local rate) is better than this time last year," Zellers said.
Locally, the rate decreased by 0.02 of a point over the year while the state rate decreased half a point and the national rate was down 0.09 of a point.
Total nonfarm jobs in Schuylkill County increased by 300 in May to 52,100. Over the year, jobs in the county increased by 800, or 1.6 percent.
Transportation, warehousing and utilities went up 300 jobs from June of last year, the first over-the-year increase in June since 2008. Zellers said the 5.8 percent increase over the year was significant as it was better than the 1.9 percent increase statewide.
"That sector is doing really well," Zellers said.
Goods producing industries increased by 200 jobs over the month and 400 since last June.
"Even though it is only a small increase, it's risen on year over year basis for 12 of the last 13 months," Zellers said.
His report states that the increase is largely due to increases in mining logging and construction.
Schuylkill County's rate is tied with Bedford County's rate for the 58th lowest among the state's 67 counties. County rates ranged from 5.8 percent in Centre County to 11.4 percent in Pike County. Unemployment rates for surrounding counties were: Berks, 7.9; Carbon, 9.7; Columbia, 8.1; Dauphin, 7.7; Lebanon, 6.4; Lehigh, 8.5; Luzerne, 9.8; and Northumberland, 8.7 percent.