ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that metro Hinesville’s unemployment rate declined to 8.4 percent in April, down 0.2 percent from 8.6 percent in March.
The rate declined as the number of jobs in metro Hinesville increased to 19,800, up 100 from 19,700 in March. Most of the growth came in the service-related industries, such as trade and transportation. Over the year, metro Hinesville lost 200 jobs, mostly with the federal government.
Also, the number of new layoffs, which were represented by initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, fell by 23 to 248, down 23 from 271 in March. The decreases came mostly in construction, manufacturing, and administrative and support services. Over the year, initial claims were up by 10, from 238 in April 2012. Most of the increase was in accommodations and food services. 
The rate also was 8.6 percent in April a year ago.
Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 5.6 percent, while the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 10.3 percent.
Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 8.2 percent, down from 8.4 percent in March. The rate was 9.1 percent in April a year ago.
Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.