The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% in August, unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.9%.

"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."

The labor force in Macon decreased by 270 over the month and by 214 over the year, totaling 96,630.

Macon finished the month with 92,550 employed residents, down 298 from last month and up 408 from a year ago.

Macon ended August with 100,400 jobs, up 100 from the previous month and up 700 from the same time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims in Macon decreased by 67 from the previous month and were down by 110 from the same month last year, totaling 362.