The Georgia Department of Labor says the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force and employment in February, even as the unemployment rate ticked up slightly and job totals declined for a second straight month.
New labor data released on Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor shows Chattooga County continues to see a higher share of workers filing unemployment claims compared to neighboring counties, as overall unemployment remains steady heading into the spring.
Unemployment rates across Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker counties remained relatively stable in recent data, reflecting continued steady job conditions in Northwest Georgia heading into the spring.
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.
The Georgia Department of Labor released new employment numbers Thursday showing continued improvement in Northwest Georgia’s job market. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said December saw more Georgians working and unemployment declining across every region of the state, adding that the focus in 2026 will remain on connecting workers to in-demand careers and helping businesses find the talent they need.
In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate fell eight-tenths of a percent over the month to 3.1 percent, down from 3.6 percent one year ago. The labor force increased by 885 over the month and by 3,180 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 459,957. Employment also reached a record high, rising by 4,207 over the month and 5,363 over the year to 445,548. Initial unemployment claims increased to 7,613, up 5,227 from the previous month and 568 higher than one year ago.
Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate declined in September, with new figures showing the rate down two-tenths to 3.2%, according to Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Unemployment in Georgia dropped across nearly every region in September,” Holmes said. “As we approach the end of the year, we’re staying focused on keeping workers ready, businesses strong, and opportunity growing across the state.”
According to numbers released on Thursday of this week, Georgia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in September 2025, unchanged from August and a full percentage point lower than the national rate, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.