Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Carroll County recorded an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in July, down five-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.7 percent.

“This summer, we have seen unemployment rates drop while job numbers have climbed,” said Commissioner Mark Butler. “As employers have worked to fill positions with the most qualified people, job seekers have taken advantage of the wide range of employment opportunities with more benefits and flexibility than ever before.”

The labor force decreased in July by 244 to 57,668. That number is up 1,350 over the year.

Carroll County ended July with 56,042 employed residents. That number increased by 41 in July and was up 1,794 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment increased by 29 percent in July. When compared to last July, claims were down about 53 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 609 active job postings in Carroll County for July.