Newton County’s unemployment dropped by nearly 1 percent in the month of August, to 9.3 percent; as the number of both unemployed and employed workers dropped.

The county’s labor force declined by more than 1,000 workers, a common August trend as students leave summer jobs to return to school, according to Georgia labor department.

However, the number of employed workers declined by only 350, which improved the remaining workforce ratio. The trends were consistent with initial unemployment claims, which fell to 413 in August from 685 in July.

The local economy appears to be healthier than a year ago.

In August 2012, the unemployment rate was 10.2 percent and there were 552 fewer residents employed; initial unemployment claims were 532.

Metro Atlanta’s unemployment dropped from 8.6 percent in July to 8 percent in August because of a "significant reduction in layoffs and an increase in the number of jobs," according to the labor department.

Jobs actually increased by 2,800 in August, despite the labor force dropping by 41,309 people because of summer workers returning to school.

"Education and health services added 4,500 jobs, while government added 4,400, as non-contract education workers returned to the public schools after the summer vacation," according to the state’s press release. "However, the gains were offset somewhat by the loss of 3,000 private sector jobs, mostly in professional and business services."

Job losses came in manufacturing, with additional reductions in construction, administrative and support services, trade and accommodations and food services.

Metro Atlanta has gained 57,100 jobs since last August.