Alabama's unemployment edged upwards just a tad in July to 10.2 percent from 10.1 percent in June. Just a year ago the rate was half that much, 5.1 percent.

Unemployment continues high in southwest Alabama. Wilcox County has the state's highest unemployment at 24.9 percent, up from 24.3 percent last month. Monroe County has the seventh highest unemployment in the state at 18.2 percent, up slightly from 18.1 percent last month. Clarke County is 11th at 15.8 percent, up from 15.3 percent in June.

Washington County's rate is 14.6 percent, placing it at number 18. That reflects a slight decrease from 14.8 percent in June.

Marengo County is ranked 25th at 13.5 percent, down from 13.9 percent last month. Choctaw County is ranked 30th at 13 percent, the same that it was last month.

The high unemployment rates are reflective of the poor wood products manufacturing business. Area sawmills are even closed or slowed due to limited housing starts and other construction.

Shelby County boasts the lowest unemployment in the state, 7.6 percent.

Unemployment continues high nationwide at 9.7 percent in June and July.