Chattooga County has seen an increase in unemployment over the past month, with the rate jumping just shy of two percentage points from September to October. 

According to the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Chattooga County for October 2024 stands at 5.8%; that compares with 3.9% in September. The report highlights that there were 922 initial claims for unemployment benefits filed during the month, reflecting a sharp increase over the previous month. The data reveals a total labor force of 9,790 individuals. Unemployment paid in October totaled $809,185  in disbursed benefits, with $316,777 paid out in first payments alone. The average weekly wage across all industries in Chattooga County is reported to be $811, leading to an average annual wage of approximately $42,172.

The unemployment rate in Chattooga County was higher than neighboring counties last month.  Walker County reported an unemployment rate of 3.1% in October.  In Floyd County unemployment was at 3.5%, and Gordon County was at 3.3%.

Other Northwest Georgia Counties reported the following unemployment rates last month:

Bartow County – 3.5%

Catoosa County – 3.1%

Dade County – 3.2%

Murray County – 4.9%

Polk County – 3.6%

Whitfield County – 4.2%