VALDOSTA — The Azalea City’s jobless rate slipped a bit in September, according to statistics.

Valdosta had an unemployment rate of 3.6% in September, down one-tenth of a percent since August, a Georgia Department of Labor statement said. A year ago, the rate was 3.4%.

 The labor force increased in Valdosta by 475 people and ended the month with 63,666. That number went up by 854 when compared to September of 2023, the statement said.

Valdosta finished the month with 61,355 employed residents, an increase of 1,122 over the month and up by 675 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended September with 57,500 jobs, up by 300 since August and up by 900 when compared to this time last year, the labor department said.

In September, initial unemployment claims decreased by 15 from the previous month in Valdosta, and were down by 274 from September 2023, totaling 192.