Chilton County’s unemployment rate increased from 9.0 percent in March to 9.3 percent for the month of April.

The percentage rate equals 1,805 unemployed residents in Chilton County in April and 1,723 in March.

Alabama’s April unemployment rate was 9.3 percent, up slightly from March’s rate of 9.2 percent.

April’s percentage rate equals 199,950 people without jobs, compared to 195,210 in March and 209,465 in April 2010.

On a national scale, the unemployment rate for April increased to 9.0 percent, up from 8.8 percent in March.

“It appears that Alabama followed the national trend this month, as we experienced a slight increase in our unemployment rate,” said Tom Surtees, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations director. “As I’ve noted before, these kinds of minor fluctuations are to be expected as we emerge from a recession.”

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates included Shelby County at 6.5 percent, Coffee County at 7.0 percent and Pike County at 7.2 percent.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates included Wilcox County at 20.9 percent, Perry County at 16.2 percent and Clarke County at 16.1 percent.

The April 27 storms will not be reflected in this unemployment rate. They will be reflected in May’s rate, which is scheduled to be released June 17.