Butler County’s unemployment rose slightly from 9.6 percent in June to 9.7 percent in July, according to figures released Friday by the Alabama Department of Labor.

The number of unemployed residents in Butler County jumped from 885 people in June to 890 people in July.

While the rate was higher than June’s rate, it was significantly lower than the 12.4 percent rate the county registered in July of 2012.

Statewide the unemployment rate dropped from 6.5 percent to 6.3 percent.

July 2013’s rate represents 135,089 unemployed people, down from 140,024 in the previous month and 163,932 in July of 2012.  The last time Alabama’s unemployment rate was at or below 6.3 percent was October of 2008 when the rate was 5.9 percent.

“While we are encouraged to see another drop in our unemployment rate, we need to remember there is still a lot of work to be done,” Gov. Robert Bentley said.  “We will continue to recruit more jobs. We will continue to show how Alabama is a great place to do business. We will encourage more companies to build here and expand and hire more people. And we will continue these efforts until everyone who wants a job is able to find one.”

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates for July were Shelby County at 4.2 percent, Baldwin County at 5.3 percent and Cullman County at 5.4 percent.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 16.3 percent, Perry County at 14.7 percent and Dallas County at 14.4 percent.