The rate

increased from 1.7 percent in May to 2.2 percent in June,

but is still one of the lowest rates in the region. Only

Forsyth County, with a 2.1 percent rate, has a lower

unemployment figure.

Officials

at the Department of Labor said the unemployment rate

traditionally rises in June, because many students are

entering the work force and looking for jobs.

"Atlanta's

economy, however, remains solid and the area continues to

create new jobs. The job growth open new opportunities

not only for people already counted in the work force,

but also for those discouraged workers who aren't

included in the statistics," said state labor

commissioner Michael Thurmond.

The

unemployment rate for the 10-county Atlanta region

increased from 2.8 percent in May to 3.3 percent last

month.

Other

unemployment rates included:

-Clayton-

3.6 percent.

-Coweta-

3.0 percent.

-Fulton-

4.0 percent.

-Henry-

2.4 percent.

-Spalding-4.0

percent.