The release of the state’s latest unemployment figures brought unwelcomed news for Butler County.

The figures, released on Friday, showed that the county’s unemployment rate is on the rise.

Butler County’s jobless rate for June was 8.6 percent. That’s up from the county’s 7.9 percent rate in April and May.

Statewide, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.8 percent.

“For Alabamians who want a job, we remain focused on helping them find and keep a job,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “Just this week, we were able to announce three new projects resulting in hundreds of well-paying jobs for Alabamians. These jobs are a sign that existing companies are confident in the Alabama economy.”

Crenshaw County and Lowndes County, which neighbor Butler County, also saw their unemployment rates rise.

Crenshaw’s jumped from 5.8 percent to 6.6 percent, while Lowndes saw a slight increase from 11.9 percent to 12 percent.

The counties with highest unemployment rates in the state are Wilcox at 17.2 percent, Perry at 14.8 percent and Dallas at 14.3 percent.

The counties with the lowest unemployment rates are Shelby at 5 percent, Baldwin and Cullman at 5.7 percent and Lee and Cherokee at 5.9 percent.