The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded month over month growth of its labor force and an unemployment rate of 4.2%, down one-tenth over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%. 

“Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.”

The labor force in Columbus was up 565 over the month and 364 over the year, totaling 130,046.

Columbus finished the month with 124,634 employed residents, up 746 over the month and 118 from the same month last year.

Columbus ended February with 121,600 jobs. Job numbers were up 200 over the month and down by 900 from the same time last year.

In February, initial unemployment claims decreased by 225 over the month and rose by 24 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 456.