Georgia’s labor market reached new record territory in July, with the state reporting all-time highs for both the number of people in the labor force and the number of Georgians employed.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state’s labor force climbed to 5,480,790 people in July, an increase of 2,941 from the previous month and 67,210 from a year ago.

Employment also reached a new record, increasing by 7,556 during July to 5,301,774 employed Georgians. Employment was up by 68,807 compared with the same time last year.

At the same time, Georgia’s unemployment rate declined to 3.3 percent, which is 0.8 percentage points below the national unemployment rate. Georgia’s unemployment rate was also 3.3 percent one year ago.

The number of unemployed Georgians fell by 4,615 during July to 179,016. That represents 1,597 fewer unemployed people than a year earlier.

Despite the record labor force and employment numbers, the state’s total number of jobs declined during the month. Georgia had approximately 4,977,500 jobs in July, down 9,200 from June and 15,700 compared with a year ago. It marked the second consecutive month of declining job totals.

Several industries did add jobs during July. Health care and social assistance led the way with 1,600 additional jobs, followed by construction with 1,100. Information added 800 jobs, durable goods manufacturing gained 700, and private educational services added 600.

Local government recorded the largest monthly decline, losing 2,000 jobs. Administrative and support services declined by 1,900, accommodation and food services lost 1,600, professional and technical services declined by 1,500, and non-durable goods manufacturing lost 1,300 jobs.

Looking at the past year, health care and social assistance continued to be a major source of employment growth in Georgia, adding 20,700 jobs.

Initial unemployment claims increased by 1,388 during July to 20,150, but remained 4,677 below the level recorded one year ago.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the record employment and labor force numbers demonstrate historically high levels of participation among Georgia workers.