Unemployment isn't dropping in Idaho.

The state's forecasted seasonal unemployment rate inched upward for the second straight month in September, according to a report from the Idaho Department of Labor.

Total unemployment was at 9 percent in September. That's up from 8.9 percent in August, which had also risen one-tenth of a percent from the month before.

"Compared to last year, we have decreased (in employment)," said IDL regional economist Alivia Body, adding that last September unemployment was at 8.7 percent.

Although Idaho's labor force rose just under 600 in September, the number of workers without jobs increased 500 from August, according to an IDL press release.

Body said much of the job growth was due to teachers coming back to school. The job loss was due to seasonal jobs ending.

"It's typical season loss," she said. "We'll probably be seeing that locally as well, in particular with a lot of the accommodation services."

Total unemployment was 67,800 statewide for September.

Although employers reported hiring more than 16,700 new workers in September, it is still the second lowest September hiring since the figures started being compiled in 1997.

Body said the numbers for Kootenai County won't be released until next month.

"I'm sure going into more of the winter months, we'll have lower seasonal employment, so I'm sure that won't help," she said.

Body said that there are still positive economic signs in Kootenai County.

She has noted more than 500 new positions created recently by companies like Wal-Mart and Center Partners.

It is also encouraging to see seasonal employment return to stable levels, she added.

"Kootenai County is pretty much at levels right before the bubble in 2005," she said. "That's not a bad thing. A lot of people tend to look only at where we were at the highest peak in the decade."