The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% in July, down one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.7%.

“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.”

The labor force in Macon decreased by 2 over the month and by 448 over the year, totaling 96,818.

Macon finished the month with 92,763 employed residents, up 128 from last month and 62 from a year ago.

Macon ended July with 100,400 jobs, unchanged from the previous month and up 1,400 from the same time last year.

In July, initial unemployment claims in Macon increased by 7 from the previous month and were down by 102 from the same month last year, totaling 429.