Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Hinesville set a record in September with its lowest unemployment rate ever recorded.  

 At the same time, Hinesville increased its number of employed residents and saw unemployment claims fall. All indicators were positive for the year as well for the two-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).

 “It’s exciting to see so many of our communities across the state doing so well,” Butler said. “We continue to add jobs and see the unemployment rate fall. Even better, people are getting hired - often at record levels.”

 The unemployment rate for September, at 3.4 percent, was down .6 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.9 percent. That rate was tied for sixth lowest among the 14 MSAs.

 The labor force in Hinesville fell by 146 in September to reach 33,826. That number is up by 40 over the past year – an average monthly increase of nearly four.

 Hinesville gained 64 employed residents in September, pushing the total to almost 32,663. The number is up 534 for the year, or about 45 per month.

 Jobs grew in September at 20,800. Hinesville’s job total is up 400 over the year – an average monthly increase of about 33.

 Claims for unemployment insurance fell by 24 percent in September. They were down by 61 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.

 Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 150 active job postings in metro Hinesville for September.

 The Hinesville metropolitan statistical areas covers Liberty and Long counties.

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