The unemployment rate for Schuylkill County increased four-tenths of a percentage point to 9.7 percent in December.
The state rate increased one-tenth of a point over the month to 7.9 percent while the national rate remained unchanged at 7.8 percent.
Over the past year, Schuylkill County's rate increased half of a percentage point while the state rate rose two-tenths of a point and the national rate fell seven-tenths of a point.
Total nonfarm jobs in Schuylkill County increased by 300 in December to 52,600. Over the year, jobs were up 1,500, or 2.9 percent.
There was little change in all industry sectors over the month with movements expected for the season.
Retail trade had an increase of 100 jobs while mining, logging and construction declined 100 jobs. Both changes are typical for the season.
Transportation, warehousing and utilities had one of the largest over-the-year increases with 600 jobs. An employment of 6,000 set a new record high for the sector in Schuylkill County.
Schuylkill County's rate was tied with four other counties for the 13th-highest rate among the state's 67 counties. The other four counties were Clarion, Fayette, Huntingdon and Somerset.
County rates ranged from 5.7 percent in Centre County to 12 percent in Cameron County.
Unemployment rates in the surrounding counties were: Berks, 7.9; Carbon, 10.4; Columbia, 8.1; Dauphin, 8.0; Lebanon, 6.7; Lehigh, 8.9; Luzerne, 10.1; and Northumberland, 9.5 percent.