Unemployment rose in 71 of Mississippi’s 82 counties, including Warren, in July.

Countywide, unemployment was 11.2 percent, up from a revised 10.9 percent in June, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security reported. Jobless benefits were sought by 2,450 people during the month, up from 2,390. The rate is lower than the 12.2 percent reported in July 2011.

Statewide unemployment was 10.1 percent in July, up from 9.8 percent in June. It came in lower than in July 2011, which was 11.6 percent. Seasonally adjusted, the rate for July was 9.1 percent, still up by three-tenths of a point from June.

Nationwide, the jobless hit 8.3 percent in July, up from June’s 8.2 percent but below July 2011’s 9.1 percent.

County-level rates aren’t adjusted to cancel out predictable seasonal changes. Students and teachers seeking summer work can increase unemployment. Sectors with the biggest losses statewide were in government and leisure and hospitality.

Rankin County’s 6.1 percent remained the lowest jobless rate. It was up from 5.9 percent in June. Clay County’s 18.9 percent remained highest, up from 17.9 percent in June.

Claiborne County’s rate was up two-tenths of a point in July, to 16.8 percent. The rise was the same for Sharkey County, which came in at 12.6 percent for the month.

Rates fell in eight counties: Clarke, Coahoma, Humphreys, Issaquena, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Tunica and Webster. Rates were flat in Newton, Perry and Wayne counties.