The number of first-time claims for unemployment insurance in Georgia reached a 20-year low last month and the numbers for Gainesville are down nearly 39 percent.
State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says claims in August statewide were down 28.2 percent compared to July. In Gainesville, there was a 38.8 percent decline.
All but one of the state's 14 metropolitan areas showed decreases, led by Rome (44.4 percent), Augusta (43.5 percent, and Gainesville. Claims were down 31.1 percent in Athens and 12.1 percent in Atlanta.
Only Hinesville showed an increase (9.2 percent).
Click here to see data for all 159 Georgia counties and its 14 metropolitan areas.
