RALEIGH — Rowan County’s unemployment rate stayed steady for the month of August, according to recently released employment figures.

Sixty-eight counties saw an increase in unemployment rates, not seasonally adjusted, according to the NC Department of Commerce. Unemployment rates decreased in 14 counties and stayed the same in 18.

The statewide unemployment rate for August stayed at 5 percent.

Rowan County’s unemployment rate stayed at 5.5 percent, but the county moved up in rank, sitting at 63 compared to ranking 66 for July. The unemployment rate was at 6.3 percent in August of 2015.

Cabarrus County saw a slight increase in its unemployment rate with 4.6 percent, compared to 4.5 percent in July. The rate was 5.4 percent in August of last year. This August’s rate ranked Cabarrus at 15th in the state.

Davidson County had a 4.9 percent unemployment rate for August, up from 4.7 percent in July. It was 5.7 percent in August 2015. The county ranked 31st.

Davie County also saw an increase in its unemployment rate with 4.6 percent, compared to 4.4 percent in July. The county ranked 18^th in the state for August. The rate was 5.2 percent in August of last year.

Like Rowan, Iredell County’s unemployment rate for August was the same as July at 4.7 percent. The unemployment rate was 5.6 percent last August. The county ranked 24^th in the state.

Stanly County’s rate also remained unchanged at 4.7 percent. Last August’s rate was 5.6 percent. The county earned a ranking of 22^nd.

The highest rate of unemployment remained with Scotland County at 8.8 percent. Buncombe County had the lowest rate at 3.9 percent.