NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's unemployment rate rose 0.2 percent in June to 8.1 percent.

Karla Davis, commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development, said Thursday the June figure was the highest since January. But it was substantially below the 9.4 percent in June a year ago.

The national jobless rate for June was 8.2 percent. Tennessee has been below the national figure for six months.

Unemployment rates rose in 27 U.S. states last month, the most in almost a year and a reflection of weaker hiring nationwide.

The Labor Department says unemployment rates fell in 11 states and Washington, D.C. — the fewest since August. Rates were unchanged in 12 states.

Nationwide, employers added only 80,000 jobs last month, the third straight month of weak job growth. The national unemployment rate stayed at 8.2 percent.

Still, 29 states added jobs in June, up from 27 in May. Unemployment rates can rise even if more jobs are created if more of those out of work start looking for work. The number of Americans searching for jobs nationwide increased last month.

Nevada recorded the highest unemployment rate, at 11.6 percent, followed by Rhode Island, with 10.9 percent.