The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area saw labor force and employment growth in August, while the over-the-month unemployment rate rose two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.1%. A year ago, the rate was 4.4%.

 “Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers. As we build Georgia into a Top State for Talent, we’re creating a place where people can work, businesses can invest and communities can thrive.” 

Albany’s labor force increased by 157 over the month and by 858 over the year, to 61,206.

 Albany finished August with 58,678 employed residents, up 26 over the month and 1,002 over the year.

Albany finished August with 59,400 jobs, a decrease of 300 over the month and 500 over the year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 19 from the previous month and by 42 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 219.