Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Savannah lowered its unemployment rate in September.
 
According to preliminary data, Savannah also added to its annual number of jobs across the three-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
 
“September was a really remarkable month in our local communities,” Butler said. “Four MSAs hit their lowest all-time unemployment rate. All 12 added to their total number of employed residents. Some set records for jobs or labor force. It's good to see most of our communities around the state performing so well.”
 
Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points in September to 3.5 percent. The nation also grew its labor force, increased the number of employed residents and added more 130,000 jobs.
 
Georgia’s unemployment rate also fell 0.1 percentage points in September to reach 3.5 percent.  A year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate sat at 3.7 percent. The state’s all-time low of 3.4 percent was set in December 2000.
 
Rates fell across all 14 of Georgia’s 14 MSAs. Four set records for lowest rates ever.

Savannah’s unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points in September, reaching 3 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.
 
Savannah ended September with 186,300 jobs. Jobs decreased by 2,500 over the month but increased by 400 jobs when compared to the same time a year ago.
 
The labor force decreased in September by 1,642. The total is 186,489. That number is down by 1,407 when compared to the same time last year.
 
Savannah ended September with 180,981 employed residents.  That number dropped by 434 over the month and is down by 625 when compared to the same time a year ago.
 
The number of unemployment claims increased in September by about 16 percent. When compared to last September, claims were up by about 35 percent.
 
The MSA includes Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham counties.