The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.1% in July, down one-tenth from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.4%.

“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 Columbus was down 330 over the month and down 614 over the year, totaling 128,896.

Columbus finished the month with 123,651 employed residents, down 164 from June and up 156 from the same month last year.

Columbus ended July with 122,800 jobs. Job numbers decreased by 400 from the previous month and rose by 900 from the same time last year.

In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 57 over the month and decreased by 79 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 507.