Beaufort County’s unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 6.1 percent in December 2014 to 6.8 percent in January, according to figures released by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division.

The county’s increase from December 2014 to January followed a trend in the state as 98 of the state’s 100 counties saw their unemployment rates go up, too. Jones and Granville counties saw their jobless rates decrease from December 2014 to January. The state’s unemployment rate increased from 5 percent in December 2014 to 5.9 percent in January, according to LEAD data.

The Greenville-Washington combined statistical area’s unemployment rate increased from 5.2 percent in December 2014 to 6.1 percent, according to preliminary LEAD figures.

“The unemployment rate increased in January as the number of unemployed increased (by 196). This increase may be due to seasonal holiday jobs ending along with overall weather related issues for those who work outdoors,” wrote Jennie Bowen, NC Works/Beaufort County direct services director, in an email.

“The overall labor force number increased as we saw more discouraged workers restarting their job search in January. We also saw an overall increase in the number employed in Beaufort County. Our data shows there were 674 more individuals employed in January than the previous month of December, and 175 more employed than in January 2014. We are also seeing more job postings. That’s the good news! We currently have 385 job openings advertised online in Beaufort County according to www.ncworks.gov. Seeing an overall increase in the number employed and the number of job openings means employers are hiring and people are going to work,” she wrote

Beaufort County’s workforce for December 2014 totaled 19,631 people, according to LEAD figures. Of that number, 1.341 people were without jobs, with 18,290 members of the workforce going to jobs, according to LEAD data.

Beaufort County’s workforce totaled 18,633 people in December, according to LEAD information. Of that number, 1,181 people were unable to secure employment. That meant 17,452 people were on the job and earning paychecks.

Seven counties had unemployment rates at 5 percent or less in January, with 86 counties having jobless rates between 5 percent and 10 percent, according to LEAD figures. Seven counties had unemployment rates at or above 10 percent.

Graham County had the highest January unemployment rate of 14.5 percent. Buncombe County had the lowest January unemployment rate of 4.5 percent.

Hyde County’s unemployment rate rose from 9.3 percent in December 2014 to 13.3 percent in January, an increase of 4 percent.

Martin County’s jobless rate increased from 6.1 percent in December 2014 to 7.4 percent in January, a jump of 1.3 percent.

Washington County’s unemployment rate rose from 6.4 percent in December 2014 to 9.3 percent in January, an increase of 2.9 percent.

Pitt County’s jobless rate went from 5 percent in December 2014 to 5.9 percent in January, a rise of 0.9 percent.

The jobless figures released by the state do not include unemployed people whose unemployment insurance benefits expired and who are not listed as unemployed. Factor in those people and a county’s true jobless rate is higher.