The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia experienced a slight increase in its unemployment rate for June, rising three-tenths of a point to 3.5% over the month. This uptick comes as the region navigates typical seasonal fluctuations, though one county, Chattooga, saw an unusually sharp increase in initial unemployment claims.

Despite the monthly rise, the regional unemployment rate remains lower than the 3.7% recorded one year ago. The labor force in Northwest Georgia expanded by 2,030 individuals over the month, totaling 455,548, though it was down 502 from a year prior. The number of employed individuals also saw an increase, up 606 over the month and 678 over the year, reaching 439,794. However, initial unemployment claims surged by 338 over the month and 108 over the year, totaling 1,865 across the region.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes attributed the overall June trends to seasonal factors. “June’s unemployment trends tell a familiar story — Georgia’s students are stepping into our workforce as schools let out for summer, creating the temporary unemployment and hiring fluctuations typical for this time of year,” Commissioner Holmes stated. She further emphasized, “With Georgia’s recent historic announcement of 5 million jobs, these students are stepping into a local workforce that belongs to them, in a state that’s proven over and over that when Georgians show up, opportunity follows.”

While the regional increase was modest, Chattooga County experienced a significant spike in initial unemployment claims and its local rate for June 2025. The county reported 408 claims last month, a dramatic rise compared to just 42 claims reported in May. For context, June of the previous year (2024) recorded only 54 unemployment claims in Chattooga County. Currently, Chattooga County’s unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, up from 3.8% in May.

Neighboring counties presented more stable figures for June 2025, with Floyd County’s unemployment rate at 3.7% and Walker County’s standing at 3.4%.