Governor Sanford says there's a clear and present danger to South Carolina's economy -- the unemployment rate.

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New numbers just released today show South Carolina is the third worst state in the nation in terms of joblessness.

The state's unemployment rate rose a tenth of a percent to 7.1 percent in February.

The nationwide unemployment rate was 5.4 percent for February.

The state added 6,700 non-farm jobs last month.

But those gains were offset by the loss of 1,000 manufacturing jobs and 900 trade and transportation jobs.

The commission says any real improvement in the near future is unlikely.

Marion County had the highest unemployment rate at 15.5 percent. Greenville County had the lowest at 5.3 percent.

Only Alaska and Michigan had higher jobless rates last month.