The rate is up one-tenth of a percentage point from the 10.4 percent reported in January. The February jobless rate was up 1.8 percentage points from 8.7 percent at this same time last year.

The number of payroll jobs in February decreased by 137,500, or 3.5 percent, from February of 2009. The losses came in manufacturing, construction, trade, transportation and utilities, along with professional and business services and financial activities.

Educational and health services added 5,700 jobs over the year.

The average length of time jobless Georgians drew unemployment benefits in February increased to a record 16 weeks. The February 2009 duration was 11.7 weeks.