The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in July, down two-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.6%.

“Our greatest strength is our people and the businesses that call Georgia home," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "July’s unemployment numbers show progress across most metro areas, and even where there are slight upticks, year-over-year trends reflect our resilience. By investing in our workforce and supporting a strong environment for business, Georgia will continue to win and drive economic growth for all Georgians.”

Albany’s labor force decreased by 120 over the month and by 1,174 over the year, to 61,544.

Albany finished the month with 58,887 employed residents, up six from the previous month and down 970 from a year ago.

Albany ended July with 61,500 jobs, a decrease of 200 over the month and 200 from a year ago.

In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 7 over the month and fell by 91 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 245.