The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% in September, down one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.

“Unemployment in Georgia dropped across nearly every region in September," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "As we approach the end of the year, we’re staying focused on keeping workers ready, businesses strong, and opportunity growing across the state.”

Albany’s labor force increased by 541 over the month and decreased by 325 over the year, to 61,879.

Albany finished the month with 59,294 employed residents, up 567 from the previous month and down 397 from a year ago.

Albany ended September with 61,100 jobs, a decrease of 200 over the month and 100 from a year ago.

In September, initial unemployment claims decreased by 14 over the month and increased by 31 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 247.