The labor statistics for the area surrounding Troup County were released last week, and the results are encouraging for job hunters.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler released the unemployment figures for the Three Rivers Region, where Troup County is located, last week. The report showed a lower unemployment rate, lower unemployment claims and higher labor force compared to last month and last year. In February, the jobless rate hit 4.4 percent, down from 4.6 percent last month and 5.4 percent last year. Troup County had an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent, down from 4.5 percent in January. The City of LaGrange had an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent, down from 5.4 percent in January. For residents looking for work, that means that there should be more opportunities and less competition for jobs right now.

“This is good news,” LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton said. “I am delighted that the unemployment rate in our area continues to decline. I think it is a sign that our local economy is strong and businesses are doing well, and that is good for everyone in the community.”

In the region, initial claims for unemployment were down about 63 percent for the month. However, initial unemployment claims were up 1 percent for the year.

“It is kind of a national trend that there are a lot of job opportunities, and for this area, it is just a further strengthening of what we know,” Troup County Board of Commissioners Chairman Patrick Crews said. “With all the new industries moving this way, the job market is extremely good for someone that wants a job in this area. We have very diverse jobs.”