The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced on Thursday that the state’s unemployment rate for February remained unchanged at 3.6%, consistent with a revised rate from January. This figure sits comfortably below the national unemployment rate, by five-tenths of a percent. “Georgia continues to drive business growth and opportunity, with 7,200 new jobs created in February alone,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux.

He attributed this success to the state’s resilient workforce and the collaborative efforts of Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, and the business community in expanding access to quality employment opportunities. The state boasted a total of 4,970,500 jobs in February, reflecting an increase of 7,200 over the month and 28,500 over the year. Leading sectors for job growth in February included Health Care and Social Assistance (1,700), Administrative and Support Services (1,300), Durable Goods Manufacturing (1,000), Retail Trade (1,000), and Private Educational Services (1,000). However, some sectors experienced declines, notably Transportation and Warehousing (-2,600), Accommodation and Food Services (-500), and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (-100). Over the past year, Health Care and Social Assistance led the way in job creation (21,900), followed by Local Government (7,300), Federal Government (4,200), Finance and Insurance (3,700), and State Government (3,400). Meanwhile, Administrative and Support Services (-10,900), Accommodation and Food Services (-3,200), Durable Goods Manufacturing (-3,000), Retail Trade (-3,000), and Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing (-600) experienced job losses.

Georgia’s labor force decreased by 11,681 to 5,391,008 in February, but remains up 10,731 compared to the previous year. The number of employed individuals decreased by 10,772 to 5,198,860, and is down 3,940 over the past 12 months. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 909 to 192,148, although it is up 14,671 compared to February of last year. In a positive sign, initial unemployment claims dropped significantly, falling by 14,030 to 20,464 in February.

This represents a decrease of 2,424 compared to the same period last year, suggesting a strengthening job market and reduced reliance on unemployment benefits.