The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% 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 in Macon increased by 581 over the month and decreased by 554 over the year, totaling 97,153.

Macon finished the month with 93,028 employed residents, up 635 from the previous month and down 764 from the same time last year.

Macon ended March with 99,800 jobs, up 200 from the previous month and unchanged from the same time last year.

In March, initial unemployment claims in Macon decreased by 30 from the previous month and by 37 from the same month last year, totaling 388.