South Carolina unemployment rate rises for 4th straight month, up to 6.7 percent in October

South Carolina's unemployment rate increased slightly from 6.6 percent to 6.7 percent in October, the fourth monthly uptick in a row.

The state Department of Employment and Workforce said Friday the estimated number of unemployed rose by almost 2,300 people in September over a month earlier, to around 147,000.

Nationally, the unemployment rate went down last month, dropping to 5.8 percent in October from 5.9 percent in September.

Marion County registered South Carolina's highest unemployment rate, with 11.3 percent. Saluda and Lexington counties registered the lowest, with 5.1 percent for each.

Officials said the state labor force increased by some 9,400 people, bringing the total labor force to a historic high of just over 2.1 million people.