ATLANTA - The September unemployment rate rose slightly or held steady in every metro area in Georgia, except for Athens, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday. <br>
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In metro Atlanta, the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent, up from 4.9 percent in August. Atlanta's jobless rate in September 2001, before the effects of the terrorist attacks, was 3.8 percent. <br>
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The jobless rate in the Athens area fell from three percent in August to 2.9 percent in September -- the lowest rate of any metro area in Georgia. <br>
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However, state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says Georgia added 6,600 new jobs in September, mostly in manufacturing, personnel supply and wholesale trade. <br>
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Here are the September unemployment rates for other Georgia metropolitan areas, compared to the unemployment rates for August: <br>
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Albany, 5.1 percent, unchanged <br>
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Augusta, 5.2 percent, up from 4.9 percent <br>
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Columbus, 5.6 percent, unchanged <br>
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Macon, 4.3 percent, up from 4.2 percent <br>
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Savannah, 3.9 percent, up from 3.8 percent
