While still well below the state average, the unemployment rate in Ellis County ticked up for the third straight month in July.

The Kansas Department of Labor reported an unemployment rate in Ellis County of 2.8 percent in July, compared to 2.6 percent in June.

Unemployment throughout northwest Kansas remains extremely low, with Rooks County’s 4.5 percent the highest in the region.

Gove and Greeley counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates at 2.6 percent.

The statewide jobless rate in July was 4.9 percent, down from 5.6 percent in July 2013.

“Several signs demonstrate continuing strength in the Kansas economy. We continue to see private-sector job growth and low unemployment with the number of Kansans working at one of the highest levels in state history,” said Lana Gordon, Department of Labor secretary.