Chattooga County’s unemployment rate increased slightly in September, according to the latest county-level employment figures released by the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in September, up from 4 percent in August. The rate was also higher than the 3.8 percent recorded in September 2025.

Despite the increase in the unemployment rate, the number of employed Chattooga County residents also grew during September.

The Georgia Department of Labor estimates that 8,927 county residents were employed during the month, an increase of 125 compared with August and 201 more than a year earlier.

The county’s civilian labor force, which includes people who are employed or actively seeking work, increased to 9,312 in September. That represents an increase of 146 people from August and 246 compared with September 2025.

The number of unemployed residents increased from 364 in August to 385 in September.

Chattooga County’s unemployment rate was higher than the statewide unadjusted rate of 3.5 percent and the Northwest Georgia regional rate of 3.4 percent.

Among neighboring counties, Walker County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, Floyd County stood at 3.5 percent, and Gordon County reported 3.2 percent.

The latest figures indicate that while more Chattooga County residents are working, the number of people entering the labor force has grown slightly faster than employment.

The September figures are preliminary and are subject to revision by the Georgia Department of Labor.