Unemployment rate in Freestone county rose again, the seventh consecutive month the percentage has increased.

November unemployment rate, the latest figure available from Texas workforce Commission, for the county is 4.8 percent, up from 4.7 percent in October.

The number shows that out of a total workforce of 10,178 persons, there are 486 workers without jobs in Freestone county.

Last time the unemployment rate was this high was January 2004 when the number reached 5.0 percent. The annual unemployment rate for 2004 was 4.8 percent, equaling the November mark.

Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent last month, up from 5.6 percent in October and 4.7 percent a year ago.

The United States unemployment rate climbed to 6.7 percent in November, up from 6.5 percent in October.

"While Texas is holding our own compared to the national trends, we continue to feel the impact of the U.S. and international economic down- turn," TWC chairman Tom Pauken says.

In Anderson county, the rate rose to 6.4 percent last month from an October rate of 6.3 percent, the highest rate in the area. The numbers show that 1,336 persons are without jobs from a total labor force of 20,793.

Lowest unemployment rate in the area, 5.0 percent, is in Leon county where 392 workers are without jobs from a labor force of 7,824. The October rate in Leon county was 4.6 percent.

Out of a total labor force of 10,515 in Limestone county, 551 workers are unemployed, a rate of 5.2 percent. The October mark was 4.9 percent.

In Navarro county, the unemployment climbed to 5.6 percent from an October rate of 5.4 percent. A total of 1,303 persons are without jobs from a total workforce of 21,238.