The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.

According to the labor department, the region’s labor force decreased by 1,151 people over the month but increased by 5,572 over the past year, bringing the total labor force to 458,771.

The number of employed residents in Northwest Georgia rose by 1,628 during April and increased by 5,771 compared to one year ago, reaching an all-time high of 446,222 employed workers.

The department also reported that initial unemployment claims fell by 521 over the month and were down 167 compared to the same time last year, totaling 2,036 claims.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the statewide job growth reflects Georgia’s strong workforce and economic environment.

“Georgia has always been a state that rewards hard work, and right now, hard work is paying off in a big way,” Holmes said. “Every single metro area in this state added jobs in April, more Georgians are earning mortgage-paying paychecks, and our workforce is more skilled and competitive than ever.”