LaGrange’s unemployment rate increased from a revised 13.1 percent in May to a preliminary 13.5 percent in June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

Troup County’s jobless rate increased from 11.4 percent to 12.0 percent during the month. It increased in Heard County from 11.7 percent to 12.3 percent and remained at 13.0 percent in Meriwether County.

Georgia’s rate declined to 10.0 percent in June, down from a revised 10.1 in May, the 33rd consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national rate, currently at 9.5 percent.

The number of payroll jobs decreased by 9,400 statewide - from 3,838,400 in May to 3,829,000 in June. Georgia lost more jobs from June 2009 to June 2010 than any other state except California.

“This latest federal report further emphasizes the severity of the crisis facing Georgia’s economy, as our job market shows signs of renewed deterioration,” said state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “A sharp increase in the number of discouraged workers, rising long-term unemployment, increased new layoffs, and anemic job growth suggests that the fledgling economic recovery may be losing steam.”

Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us