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Scott County’s unemployment rate continued its upward climb in the month of July, jumping from 10.7% to 12.0%, the Department of Labor & Workforce Development reported last week.

Scott was among 60 counties across the state that posted increased jobless rates during the June-to-July reporting period.

The local unemployment rate is now the fourth-highest in the state, behind Perry County (20.3%), Lauderdale County (14.5%) and Haywood County (13.8%).

The number of persons in Scott County seeking unemployment benefits climbed above 1,000 in July, figures showed. Of the county’s 8,780 eligible workers, 7,730 were employed while 1,050 were without work.

In neighboring counties, Anderson County’s jobless rate improved, from 6.1% to 5.9%, as did Campbell County’s, from 8.3% to 7.8%. Morgan County also posted a decreased unemployment rate, down three-tenths of a point to 8.1%. In Fentress County, the jobless rate climbed from 9.2% to 9.7%, and in Pickett County, the jobless rate jumped from 9.8% to 10.7%. Pickett was also among the state’s 10 highest unemployment rates.

Statewide, the lowest unemployment rate was posted by Williamson County, at 4.6%.

Among major metropolitan areas, Knoxville and Nashville tied for the lowest rate, at 5.5%. Knoxville was up 0.1% from last month, while Nashville was down the same amount. Hamilton County posted a jobless rate of 6.1%, up from 5.9% in June. Shelby County’s jobless rate was 7.4%, down from 7.5% a month ago.

The state unemployment rate was 6.9%, up from 6.5% in June and marking its highest point since May 1987. The national unemployment rate was 5.7%, up from 5.5% in June.

“Compared to last year, Tennessee continues to see job losses in manufacturing, professional and business services, and financial activities employment,” Labor Commissioner James Neeley said. “At the same time, we are experiencing year-to-year gains in educational and health services employment and in local government educational services.”