Unemployment rates declined in most of Georgia’s 12 regional commissions during July, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor. The report highlighted changes across several regions, with some areas experiencing slight increases.
Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes commented on the latest figures, stating, “Our greatest strength is our people and the businesses that call Georgia home. July’s unemployment numbers show progress across most metro areas, and even where there are slight upticks, year-over-year trends reflect our resilience. By investing in our workforce and supporting a strong environment for business, Georgia will continue to win and drive economic growth for all Georgians.”
In the Atlanta Regional Commission area, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.5%. Compared to last year’s rate of 3.8%, this marks an improvement. The labor force fell both month-over-month and year-over-year, while employment numbers saw a small monthly increase but were down over the year.
The Central Savannah River region reported an unchanged unemployment rate at 4.4%, down from 4.9% one year ago. Both the labor force and number of employed declined over the month and compared to last year.
Coastal Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 points to 3.3%, also improving from last year’s figure of 3.6%. However, both labor force and employment numbers declined for both periods measured.
Georgia Mountains saw its unemployment rate decrease by 0.1 points to 3.2%, with modest shifts in labor force participation and employment.
The Heart of Georgia region was one of the few with a slight increase in unemployment—up by 0.1 points to 4.4%. Its labor force rose slightly month-to-month but was lower than a year ago.
Middle Georgia experienced a reduction in its jobless rate by 0.1 points to 3.8%. Employment grew compared to both last month and last year.
Northeast Georgia recorded a similar drop in its unemployment rate by one-tenth of a point to 3.5%. Its labor force increased slightly over-the-month but declined compared to last year.
Northwest Georgia saw its unemployment rise more sharply—by four-tenths—to reach 3.8%. This matched last year’s level but accompanied increases in both labor force and employed individuals.
River Valley posted a decrease in unemployment by one-tenth of a point (to 4.3%), while Southern Georgia had a minor uptick—up one-tenth—to reach an unemployment rate of 4.1%.
Southwest Georgia registered the largest decline among regions surveyed: its jobless rate dropped two-tenths of a point to settle at 4%.
The Three Rivers region also experienced an improvement with its jobless rate falling by one-tenth of a point (to 3.5%).
Across these regions, initial claims for unemployment insurance generally rose on a monthly basis but tended downward compared to July last year.
