Mississippi's unemployment rate stood at 12 percent in January, up from 10.3 percent in December and higher than the national rate of 10.6 percent.

The state Department of Employment Security released figures Wednesday.

Unemployment ranged from a high of 23.1 percent in Noxubee and Holmes counties to 8 percent in Rankin.

MDES says 22 of Mississippi's 82 counties posted unemployment rates less than or equal to the state's rate of 12 percent and 74 counties reported double-digit rates for the month.

Unemployment rates for east Mississippi counties:

Lauderdale 12.1%
Clarke 14.2%
Newton 11.8%
Neshoba 11.5%
Kemper 13.4%
Wayne 14.8%
Jasper 13.0%