The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded month over month growth of its labor force and an unemployment rate of 4.2%, remaining unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.

“Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.”

The labor force in Macon increased by 643 over the month and 871 over the year, totaling 99,556.

Macon finished the month with 95,366 employed residents, up 563 over the month and 642 from a year ago.

Macon ended February with 101,400 jobs, unchanged from the previous month and down 400 from the same time last year.

In February, initial unemployment claims in Macon decreased by 52 from the previous month and were down by 10 from the same month last year, totaling 408.