The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Albany recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in March, down one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.

“In March, Georgians from every corner of the state stepped up, joining the workforce and filling critical jobs that drive our state’s economy forward,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "By working with regional partners across the state, we’re creating a globally competitive workforce — one that’s built to last and ready to lead Georgia into its next phase of prosperity."

The labor force increased in Albany by 511 over the month and decreased by 49 over the year to 62,302.

Albany finished the month with 59,628 employed residents. That number increased by 533 from the previous month and decreased by 231 compared to the same time last year.

Albany ended March with 61,800 jobs. Jobs increased by 500 over the month and were up by 400 over the year.

In March, initial unemployment claims decreased by 25 over the month and increased by 38 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 253.