The unemployment rate in Moore County has jumped -- again.

The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina (ESC) reported last week that Moore County's unemployment rate increased from 6 percent to 6.6 percent in the month of July. In June, the jobless rate increased from 5.6 percent to 6 percent.

2,595 Moore County citizens are currently out of a job.

Across the state, 97 of North Carolina's 100 counties experienced an increase in unemployment. Only two counties experienced a rate decrease, while the rate remained the same in one county.

"North Carolina had a large increase in the labor force throughout many of the state's counties during July, however unemployment also rose," said ESC Chairman Harry E. Payne, Jr. "Much of the increase is attributed to the significant number of people entering and re-entering the labor force, which could be a sign that workers believe jobs are out there and they are actively looking. We were encouraged by the large number of workers, 31,435, who found employment in July."

For the third consecutive month, all 14 metropolitan statistical areas experienced an unemployment rate increase. Forty-five counties were at or below the state's unadjusted unemployment rate of 6.8 percent, which increased from 6.2 percent in June.

Total county employment (non-seasonally adjusted) increased in July by 31,453 workers from 4,316,413 to 4,347,866. Non-seasonally adjusted unemployment increase by 34,622. The unemployment total in July was 317,972 citizens compared with 283,350 in June.

The five counties receiving the highest amount in unemployment insurance benefits in July were: Mecklenberg, $10.4 million; Wake, $7.1 million; Guilford, $5.2 million; Forsyth, $3.2 million; and Gaston, $2.7 million. In July, $105.9 million in benefits was paid to 111,383 individuals statewide, compared to $89.9 million to 99,939 individuals in June.

Currituck County on the Outer Banks again posted the state's lowest unemployment at 3.8 percent. Nearby Scotland County had the highest at 11.7 percent.

Among Moore County's neighbors, only Chatham County posted lower unemployment numbers, with a rate of 5.8 percent.

Richmond County's rate was 9.4 percent. Montgomery County was next at 9.1 percent, followed by Lee County at 7.7 percent, Randolph County at 7.6 percent, Harnett County at 7.3 percent, and Cumberland County at 7.2 percent.

Hoke County matched Moore at 6.6 percent.

Contact John Krahnert at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com