(KLZA)--Unemployment figures were higher in six southeast Nebraska counties in December while the statewide rate remained steady at 2.7 percent.

According to a report from the Nebraska Department of Labor, Richardson and Johnson counties had the highest jobless rate in the area at 3.4 percent.  That was up six-tenths from November in each county.  

Pawnee and Otoe counties had the best numbers during December with a 2.9 percent unemployment rate, but that was up six-tenths in Pawnee County and three-tenths in Otoe County.

In Nemaha County, the unemployment rate was up four-tenths to 3.3 percent.

Gage County had the largest increase in unemployment, up seven-tenths to 3.3 percent.

Statewide, the unemployment rate has not changed since September.  The state rate of 2.7 percent is well below the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

Nebraska Labor Commissioner John Albin called 2017 a strong year for non-farm jobs in Nebraska.