John Gooch files for unemployment at the Georgia Department of Labor office in Dalton, Ga.

The Chattanooga area saw a improvement in unemployment in February, according to figures released today by the Tennessee Department of Labor.

Hamilton County recorded an 8.6 percent unemployment rate, down from 8.7 percent in January.

But the statewide unemployment rate for February was 9.6 percent, up 0.2 from the January rate of 9.4 percent, according to the labor department.

In Georgia, state figures show roughly 800 jobs were created in Dalton during February. But Georgia's overall unemployment improved only one-tenth of a percent, from 10.3 percent to 10.2 percent.

The national unemployment rate for February was 8.9 percent, also just a tenth of a percent lower than January.

Across Tennessee, unemployment rates improved in 57 counties, got worse in 26 counties and remained the same in 12 counties, the state reported.

Lincoln County was lowest at 6.6 percent, down from 6.7 percent in January. Scott County was highest at 22.7 percent, down from 23.2 percent.

Hamilton County's 8.6 rate was second in the state's metropolitan areas.

Knox County had the lowest metropolitan rate of 7.6 percent, up from 7.5 percent in January.

Davidson County was 8.7 percent, up from 8.6 percent in January, and Shelby County was 10.5 percent, up from 10.4 percent in January.

For complete details, see Friday's Chattanooga Times Free Press.