Unemployment went up slightly in Rowan County in July, to 6.5 percent. In June, the rate was 6.3 percent.

The July statewide rate was 6.3 percent.

In July 2014, Rowan’s rate was 7.2 percent.

Cabarrus unemployment also rose, to 5.7 percent, compared to 5.5 percent for June; the July 2014 rate was 6.2 percent.

Unemployment rose in all 15 of the state’s metro areas.

In other counties surrounding Rowan:

• Davidson’s rate rose to 6.1 percent, from 5.9 in June; the July 2014 rate was 6.7 percent.

• Davie’s rate was 5.5 percent for July and 5.4 for June, compared to 6.2 in July 2014.

• Iredell’s rate changed slightly from 5.8 percent in June to 5.9 percent in July, compared to 6.6 percent in July 2014.

• Stanly’s July rate was 6 percent; June’s was 5.7. The July 2014 rate was 6.5 percent.

According to the N.C. Department of Commerce, Rowan’s labor force includes 65,100 people, 4,210 of whom are unemployed. In comparison, Cabarrus has 96,418 in the workforce, with 5,485 unemployed.

These numbers do not include people who have stopped looking for work.

Graham and Scotland counties had the highest unemployment at 11.7 percent. Buncombe (Asheville) had the lowest, at 4.8 percent.