VALDOSTA — Though still high, Valdosta’s unemployment rate dropped significantly from the rate recorded in August.  However, the rate was still higher than this time last year.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate at 7.6%, down 0.8% from August when it reached 8.4%.  The rate recorded for September of 2013 was 7.5%, below the recorded rate the same time this year.

Government information reported 483 fewer unemployed in metro Valdosta according to federal government surveys of households.  The information also showed fewer new layoffs.

The data reports about 54,100 jobs in metro Valdosta, a decrease from August, which contradicts the decrease in the rate.  Job gains for the area were in trade, transportation and warehousing.  New unemployment filings decreased by 58 from August, or 16.5%.  The decrease came in retail and manufacturing.  Claims were also down from same period last year by 33%.

What market has the best employment rate in Georgia?  Athens, of course, with an unemployment rate of only 5.7%

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