The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in September, down two-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.4%.

“Unemployment in Georgia dropped across nearly every region in September," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "As we approach the end of the year, we’re staying focused on keeping workers ready, businesses strong, and opportunity growing across the state.”

The labor force in Augusta was up 2,826 over the month and up 1,519 over the year, totaling 269,529.

Augusta finished the month with 257,986 employed residents. That number increased by 3,259 over the month and by 1,712 compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended the month with 248,100 jobs, up 600 from August and up 2,400 from the same time last year.

In September, initial unemployment claims rose by 52 over the month and fell by 79 from the same time a year ago, totaling 739.