Fayette County's unemployment rate jumped in June, but state officials are saying the rise was merely seasonal.

The county's rate rose from 2.1 percent in May to 2.5 percent in June, which is the largest rise this year. State Labor Commissioner Marti Fullerton said the rate hike was reflected throughout the state.

"An increase of over 18,000 people in the work force caused the rate to go up. We expected the increase, because every summer thousands of students enter the job market looking for work, and while they're searching for a job they're counted as unemployed. Yet, the Atlanta area continues to experience excellent job growth, and with employers looking for workers, the students chances of finding a job are good," she said.

In the Atlanta Regional Commission area, Fayette had the lowest rate of the 10 counties. Other rates included:

· Clayton, 3.9 percent.

· Fulton, 4.4 percent.

· Henry, 2.7 percent.

· Rockdale, 3.1 percent.

Fayette had the second lowest rate of any of the metro counties, with only Forsyth, with a rate of 2.3 percent, lower.

In June, nonfarm jobs in metro Atlanta rose to 2.03 million, up by 6,100 from May. Most of the increase in jobs came among people who work at temporary employment agencies, summer youth organizations, landscaping and tree-cutting services, recreational centers and amusement parks.

The state's rate jumped to 4.6 percent in June, its highest point in nine months. The rate was up from 3.8 percent in may, but down from 5.2 percent a year ago.