
Georgia set new records for both the size of its labor force and the number of people employed during August, while the state’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years.

Georgia set new records for both the size of its labor force and the number of people employed during August, while the state’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years.

Unemployment declined across Northwest Georgia in July, with the regional jobless rate falling to 3.1 percent, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.
That rate was down three-tenths of a percentage point from June and well below the 3.8 percent rate recorded one year ago.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said July brought lower unemployment in every metro area and region of the state. She credited cooperation among state leaders, local communities and businesses, saying the department remains focused on putting Georgians to work and expanding economic opportunity.
In Northwest Georgia, the labor force declined by 1,274 people over the month but was still up 7,400 compared with a year ago, reaching 459,530.
The number of employed residents increased by 164 over the month and by 10,492 over the year, bringing total employment in the region to 445,273.
Initial unemployment claims rose by 148 from June, totaling 1,956, but were still down sharply from a year earlier — by 2,196 claims.
The July numbers point to continued year-over-year improvement in Northwest Georgia’s labor market, with more people working and fewer residents unemployed than at the same time last year.

Chattooga County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the highest rate among the nine Northwest Georgia counties included in the regional report.

Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate remained at 3.4% in June, although it increased four-tenths of a percentage point from May due to normal seasonal workforce changes, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.
The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.
Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.
For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.

High gasoline prices are continuing to put financial pressure on thousands of Chattooga County residents who travel outside the county each day for work.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.

Georgia’s workforce continues to show strong growth, with both labor force participation and employment reaching all-time highs in March, according to new data from the Georgia Department of Labor.

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.