The latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor was released on Thursday and shows that Chattooga County’s August unemployment rate went up slightly to 4.7%. This is the highest rate in the region. The rate stayed the same as it was in July. In August 2023 there were 44 more people without jobs compared to before.

Across Northwest Georgia the latest data shows a slight increase in the unemployment rate up two-tenths to 4. 1% compared to 3. 5% a year ago.

The labor force saw a decrease of 3 825 over the month but a notable increase of 6 764 over the year bringing the total to 445 965- Additionally initial claims have decreased by 1 390 over the month and 348 over the year now standing at 1 723- These numbers suggest a mixed trend in the region’s economy with some fluctuations in the labor market.