The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.5% in July, up one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.9%.

“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 Augusta was down 1,548 over the month and down 3,465 over the year, totaling 267,962.

Augusta finished the month with 255,809 employed residents. That number decreased by 1,793 over the month and by 2,352 compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended the month with 245,900 jobs, down 2,800 from June and up 300 from the same time last year.

In July, initial unemployment claims rose by 204 over the month and fell by 355 from the same time a year ago, totaling 1,083.