NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's July unemployment rate of 9.8 percent remained unchanged from the previous month.

State Labor Commissioner Karla Davis says "statistics behind the unchanged unemployment rate show a slight drop in employment numbers along with an overall decline in the labor force."

The national unemployment rate for July was 9.1 percent, down from 9.2 percent the month before.

According to a survey of businesses, monthly employment increases came in mining, logging and construction, up 1,900 jobs; local government educational services, up 1,400; hospitals, up 900 jobs; and durable goods manufacturing, up 900.

Food services and drinking places decreased by 1,600 jobs, and state government also declined by 1,600.