The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.1% in August, up one-tenth from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.6%.

"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 Columbus was down 487 over the month and up 233 over the year, totaling 128,980.

Columbus finished the month with 123,747 employed residents, down 479 from July and up 913 from the same month last year.

Columbus ended August with 123,800 jobs. Job numbers increased by 300 from the previous month and by 1,000 from the same time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 142 over the month and by 89 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 365.