The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3% in August, down two-tenths from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.

"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 Athens was up 439 over the month and up 922 over the year, to 108,502.

Athens finished the month with 104,892 employed residents, up 639 from the previous month and up 1,621 from a year ago.

Athens ended August with 105,800 jobs, up 1,300 over the month and up 2,300 from a year ago.

In August, initial unemployment claims rose by 84 over the month and by 33 over the year, totaling 284.