Unemployment rates inched up across the state last month, including here in Orange County.

The local unemployment rate rose from 4.8 percent in June to 5.3 percent in July, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This is still lower than the statewide rate of 6.9 percent.

Orange County has the 8th lowest unemployment rate in the state, with approximately 3,900 people looking for work. In the Durham-Chapel Hill Metro area, the majority of job losses were in the education, health services and government sectors. Statewide, more than 322,000 workers are currently seeking employment.

Officials warn the July numbers are preliminary and not adjusted for seasonal variations. August numbers will be released in mid-September.

You can read the full report here.