Unemployment in South Dakota increased in October.

The state Labor Department reports the monthly jobless rate at 3.3 percent, compared to 2.9 percent in September.

The national unemployment rate in October was 6.5 percent.

The state Labor Department said 14,500 South Dakota residents were unemployed in October.

State officials estimate that 72,270 residents were available in October to take jobs in new and expanding businesses.

Included in those ranks were those who had jobs and wanted to find different ones, and those who were jobless.