March unemployment rates in Grant, Lafayette and Iowa counties were lower than one month ago, but higher than one year earlier, according to the state Department of Workforce Development.

Grant County’s March unemployment rate was 6.9 percent, lower than February’s 7.5 percent, but higher than March 2012’s 6.5 percent rate. Grant County had the 13th lowest unemployment rate in the state in March.

Lafayette County’s March unemployment rate was 6.7 percent, lower than February’s 7.3 percent rate and the same as March 2012. Lafayette County had the ninth lowest unemployment rate in the state in March.

Iowa County’s March unemployment rate was 8.9 percent, lower than February’s 9.2 percent rate but higher than March 2012’s 8.2 percent rate. Iowa County had the 28th highest unemployment rate in the state in March.

The state seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is estimated at 7.1 percent, the same as February’s final rate and higher than March 2012’s 6.9 percent jobless rate. The national unemployment rate in March was 7.6 percent.

March county unemployment rates ranged from 5.1 percent in Dane County to 14.6 percent in Menominee County.