The Georgia Chamber Foundation has released its 2026 Economic Competitiveness Redbook, offering a detailed snapshot of economic conditions, trends, and benchmarks across the state — including county-level research findings for Chattooga County.
For many families in Chattooga County, housing is still considered “more affordable than the big cities” — but that doesn’t mean it feels affordable on a local paycheck.
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 Rome News-Tribune reports the new Rural King store at Mount Berry Mall is expected to hold its grand opening in mid-March, according to sources. The 85,000-square-foot store is moving into the former Sears space, and officials say the location is fully staffed with workers currently stocking tens of thousands of items throughout the building. Plans also include about 35,000 square feet of outdoor space for displaying tractors and other heavy equipment.
Home sales activity in Chattooga County cooled in 2025 compared to the faster pace seen in recent years, as higher borrowing costs and affordability pressures kept many buyers cautious. Local market indicators through the year showed fewer monthly closings in several periods, while pricing held up better than sales volume, reflecting a market that increasingly leaned toward balance rather than the rapid, highly competitive conditions that dominated earlier in the decade.
The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.
Georgia drivers are getting some relief at the pump to start the week, with AAA reporting the statewide average for regular unleaded at $2.65 per gallon and the national average at $2.81.
Housing activity in Chattooga County showed signs of a cooldown in November 2025, with fewer homes changing hands and properties taking longer to sell compared to the faster pace many buyers and sellers saw last year. Local market watchers have described the current setup as a kind of “seller standoff,” where asking prices and what buyers are willing (or able) to pay aren’t always lining up.
Home sales in Chattooga County showed noticeable changes in 2025 compared to 2024, with the local housing market shifting toward a more balanced pace. While home values continued to rise slightly this year, the overall number of sales slowed compared to the busier market conditions seen in 2024.