More locals found jobs in July

Fayette County’s unemployment rate continues to gradually improve, according to the latest figures released Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Labor.

The data shows that the county’s number of employed persons rose by 165 people in July compared to the previous month. That translated to a lowering of the unemployment rate from 8.6 percent in June to 8.3 percent in July.

Both figures are below the 8.7 percent rate attributed to Fayette County in July 2009 and the current 10.2 percent unemployment rate in metro Atlanta and 9.9 percent unemployment rate statewide.

There is still room for improvement as the county currently has 4,175 people who remain unemployed, according to the state data.

Among Peachtree City residents, the employed ranks swelled by 57 people, lowering the city’s unemployment from 7.6 percent in June to 7.5 percent in July.

Of the state’s 30 largest municipalities that are tracked for these figures, Peachtree City’s unemployment rate remains the lowest.