Jobs in the Hinesville area declined by 100, or one-half of one percent, from 19,100 to 19,000, according to Georgia Department of Labor figures for December released Thursday.
The state's unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in December, up four-tenths of one percent from 4.2 percent in November and two-tenths of one percent from 4.4 percent in December of 2006. The current state rate is two-tenths of one percent lower than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 4.8 percent.
The state's rate increased in December because the number of people unemployed rose by 19,630, due mainly to job losses in manufacturing, construction, and some service-related industries, combined with modest job creation.
Savannah's rate was up 200, or one-tenth of one percent, from 162,900 to 163,100.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, commenting on the sharp rise in unemployment said, "The magnitude of the November to December increase is troubling. This represents the largest statewide increase for that time period in over 30 years."
From November to December, preliminary data show Georgia added 4,100 payroll jobs, primarily among seasonal workers in retail trade. Metro areas of the state and their job changes include:

- Albany, down 100, or two-tenths of one percent, from 66,300 to 66,200.
- Athens, down 200, or two-tenths of one percent, from 84,700 to 84,500.
- Atlanta, up 4,400, or two-tenths of one percent, from 2,482,200 to 2,486,600.
- Augusta, up 1,200, or six-tenths of one percent, from 216,400 to 217,600.
- Brunswick, up 100, or two-tenths of one percent, from 45,800 to 45,900.
- Columbus, up 100, or one-tenth of one percent, from 123,800 to 123,900.
- Dalton, unchanged at 80,000.
- Gainesville, up 100, or one-tenth of one percent, from 76,700 to 76,800.
- Macon, down 300, or three-tenths of one percent, from 102,200 to 101,900.
- Rome, down 200, or four-tenths of one percent, from 45,300 to 45,100.
- Savannah, up 200, or one-tenth of one percent, from 162,900 to 163,100.
- Valdosta, down 200, or three-tenths of one percent, from 57,200 to 57,000.
- Warner Robins, up 400, or seven-tenths of one percent, from 59,700 to 60,100.

Georgia labor market data are not seasonally adjusted and are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.