Polk Countys unemployment picture hasnt changed much recently.

The countys unemployment rate in October was 7.1 percent, the same as in September, according to the latest figures from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission (ESC).

Polk was one of 16 North Carolina counties whose jobless rate stayed the same between September and October. In 18 counties, the rate increased,

The state showed a labor force in the county of 9,308 in October with 8,650 employed and 658 unemployed.

Statewide, the average unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in October, down from 9.7 percent in September.

ESC Chairman Lynn R. Holes says statewide, conditions remain challenging.

Over the year, we have seen unemployment rates decline in 90 counties. However, one third of the counties had rates greater than 10 percent in October, Holes said. We continue to face economic challenges with respect to job growth, but we at ESC continue to assist those looking for work and those who qualify for unemployment benefits.

Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate in North Carolina in October at 14.7 percent, while Currituck County had the lowest at 4.9 percent.

In South Carolina, the unemployed rate dropped 0.3 percent in October to 10.7 percent from Septembers 11 percent. Spartanburg Countys jobless rate dropped from 10.8 percent in September to 10.4 percent in October, while the rate dropped in Greenville County from 8.9 to 8.7 percent.

The highest rate in the state was 17.8 percent in Marion County. The lowest was 7.6 percent in Lexington County.