The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in August, unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.8%.

"Georgia is the No. 1 state for business, and we're continuing to build a reputation as the top state for talent," said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "This August, every metro area in Georgia shows lower unemployment than a year ago, and our regional economies continue to see rates decline or hold steady. While month-to-month numbers may fluctuate, the year-over-year progress across all regions proves Georgia's workforce strategy is delivering results for hardworking Georgians."

Albany’s labor force decreased by 150 over the month and by 743 over the year, to 61,411.

Albany finished the month with 58,795 employed residents, down 109 from the previous month and down 395 from a year ago.

Albany ended August with 61,500 jobs, a decrease of 100 over the month and unchanged from a year ago.

In August, initial unemployment claims increased by 16 over the month and fell by 28 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 261.