The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the seven-county Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area rose again in January one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.9 percent, according to the state's Department of Labor and Industry.

It is the highest unemployment rate for the region since September 2006. A year ago the local unemployment rate was 4.4 percent. Total nonfarm employment in the region fell by 28,200 to 1,127,700.

The labor force, defined as those working or seeking work, saw an increase of 13,100 to 1,209,300.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate by county ranged from 4.5 percent in Butler County to 6 percent in Fayette County.