The unemployment rate stands at 12.5 percent in Newton County and 12.4 percent in Rockdale County, according to information released today from the Georgia Department of Labor.

In Newton County, the unemployment rate rose from 11.9 percent in December to 12.4 in January. The unemployment rate was 13.4 percent in Newton County in January 2010.

In Rockdale County, the unemployment rate rose from 11.9 percent in December to 12.4 percent in January. The rate in January 2010 in Rockdale County was 12.6 percent.

The statewide unemployment rate for January was 10.4 percent, again hitting the all-time high. The December rate was revised upward from 10.2 percent to 10.4 percent, and the rate a year ago in January was 10.4 percent.

Layoffs in manufacturing, construction and administrative and support services led to the increase, according to information from State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. Rates rose across the state, except in Warner Robins. The highest unemployment rate in Georgia is in Dalton, at13 percent.

January marked the 40th consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9 percent.