Chattooga County’s unemployment rate fell to 4% in December, continuing a positive trend and reflecting improving labor conditions heading into the new year. According to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor, the county’s rate dropped from 4.7% in November and improved from over 5% in December 2024, signaling steady recovery and job growth locally.

Across Northwest Georgia, unemployment declined broadly in December, with the regional rate falling to 3.1%, down from 3.6% a year earlier. Walker County reported a 3.1% unemployment rate, while Catoosa County posted 2.9% and Dade County came in at 3.1%, underscoring strong labor conditions throughout the area.

The region’s labor force continued to grow, increasing by 885 in December and by more than 3,100 over the year, reaching an all-time high of nearly 460,000 workers. Employment also set a record, with more than 445,000 people working across Northwest Georgia. Initial unemployment claims rose in December, a trend officials say can reflect seasonal factors and workforce movement.

Statewide, unemployment declined across all of Georgia’s regional commissions. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the December numbers show more Georgians working in every part of the state, adding that efforts in 2026 will focus on connecting workers to in-demand careers and helping businesses find skilled talent.

Nearby metro areas also reported improvements. The Dalton metropolitan area saw unemployment fall sharply compared to last year, while the Rome metro area recorded a 3.3% unemployment rate, slightly lower than a year ago, with gains in employment and a stable job base.