The national unemployment rate was 4% in January, a decrease from 4. 1%, showing ongoing job growth. However, sectors like mining and oil faced job losses. In Georgia, Chattooga County’s rate rose to 5%, with 486 unemployed, tied for 14th highest in the state.

The figures, released February 7th, show the national unemployment rate decreased from 4.1%, the lowest since last May, and represent the 49th consecutive month of overall job growth, the second-longest streak since 1939.

While the national picture remains optimistic, certain sectors are experiencing challenges. The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industries saw a notable decline, shedding 8,000 jobs nationwide. Other major industries experienced little overall change in employment.

Focusing on Georgia, the analysis revealed a mixed bag, with some areas struggling despite the national economic upswing. Chattooga County, Georgia, reported a preliminary unemployment rate of 5% in December 2024. This figure represents a concerning rise of 1.0 percentage points over the previous month and a significant 1.7 percentage point increase compared to December 2023. With a total labor force of 9,649, the county had 486 unemployed individuals.

Chattooga County tied with Emanuel County with the 14th highest unemployment rate in the state.