The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.5% in August, unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 5.1%.

"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 Augusta was down 1,997 over the month and down 1,159 over the year, totaling 266,998.

Augusta finished the month with 255,009 employed residents. That number decreased by 1,831 over the month and rose by 498 compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended the month with 247,500 jobs, up 600 from the previous month and up 1,700 from the same time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims declined by 396 over the month and by 503 from the same time a year ago, totaling 687.