Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Haralson County recorded an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent in July, down six-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.5 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 61 to 13,090. That number rose by 288 over the year.

Haralson County ended July with 12,754 employed residents. That number increased by 19 in July and was up 398 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment were down 45 percent in July. When compared to last July, claims were down about 72 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 160 active job postings in Haralson County for July.