Georgia Regional Commissions Experience Slight Uptick in January Unemployment Rates

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw a slight increase in January unemployment rates.
 
“Georgia's January unemployment rate hit its lowest point in over a year,” said Commissioner Thompson. “This speaks volumes about our state's economic resilience and ability to lead when times get tough. Regionally, we are seeing a slight seasonal uptick in January unemployment, but Georgia continues to be forward-thinking in its policy decisions and focus on sustainable economic growth. While we may see some softening of the economy over the coming months, Georgia is in a better position than most to overcome any challenges heading our way.”

Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below:

Atlanta Regional Commission
The unemployment rate was up one-tenth to 3.0 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.2 percent one year ago.
  • The labor force was up 7,730 over-the-month and up 31,470 over-the-year, to 2,677,016.

  • The number of employed was up 3,142 over-the-month and up 36,003 over-the-year, to 2,595,830.

  • Initial claims were up 3,345 (35%) over-the-month and down 715 (-5%) over-the-year, to 12,812.

 

Central Savannah River

  • The unemployment rate was up three-tenths to 3.9 percent over-the-month, the rate was 4.3 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 1,256 over-the-month and up 374 over-the-year, to 207,805.

  • The number of employed was up 556 over-the-month and up 1,142 over-the-year, to 199,756.

  • Initial claims were up 624 (40%) over-the-month and up 98 (5%) over-the-year, to 2,179.

 

Coastal Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up three-tenths to 2.8 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.3 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 1,527 over-the-month and up 6,318 over-the-year, to 351,019, an all-time high.

  • The number of employed was up 418 over-the-month and up 7,601 over-the-year, to 341,019.

  • Initial claims were up 398 (45%) over-the-month and down 96 (-7%) over-the-year, to 1,283.

Georgia Mountains

  • The unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 2.6 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.0 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 984 over-the-month and up 8,757 over-the-year, to 251,225.

  • The number of employed was up 299 over-the-month and up 9,389 over-the-year, to 244,601.

  • Initial claims were up 135 (15%) over-the-month, and down 246 (-19%) over-the-year, to 1,069. 

Heart of Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up four-tenths to 3.6 percent over-the-month, the rate was 4.3 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 159 over-the-month and up 2,319 over-the-year, to 120,099.

  • The number of employed was down 290 over-the-month and up 3,029 over-the-year, to 115,789.

  • Initial claims were up 106 (10%) over-the-month, and down 549 (-33%) over-the-year, to 1,134.

 

Middle Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 3.3 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.8 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 1,336 over-the-month and up 2,287 over-the-year, to 216,481.

  • The number of employed was up 758 over-the-month and up 3,178 over-the-year, to 209,315.

  • Initial claims were up 249 (29%) over-the-month and down 117 (-10%) over-the-year, to 1,110.

Northeast Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 3.0 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.1 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 2,340 over-the-month and up 8,666 over-the-year, to 335,634, an all-time high.

  • The number of employed was up 1,559 over-the-month and up 8,859 over-the-year, to 325,560.

  • Initial claims were down 102 (-7%) over-the-month and down 34 (-2%) over-the-year, to 1,396.

Northwest Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up four-tenths to 3.2 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.6 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 2,600 over-the-month and up 6,847 over-the-year, to 442,433, an all-time high.

  • The number of employed was up 879 over-the-month and up 8,655 over-the-year, to 428,459.

  • Initial claims were up 3,893 (101%) over-the-month and down 1,813 (-19%) over-the-year, to 7,759.

River Valley

  • The unemployment rate was up four-tenths to 3.9 percent over-the-month, the rate was 4.6 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 850 over-the-month and up 2,204 over-the-year, to 144,121.

  • The number of employed was up 263 over-the-month and up 3,138 over-the-year, to 138,564.

  • Initial claims were up 864 (103%) over-the-month and down 177 (-9%) over-the-year, to 1,700.

 

Southern Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up three-tenths to 3.4 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.8 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was down 192 over-the-month and up 1,406 over-the-year, to 178,804.

  • The number of employed was down 762 over-the-month and up 2,032 over-the-year, to 172,766.

  • Initial claims were up 596 (62%) over-the-month and down 351 (-18%) over-the-year, to 1,555.

 

Southwest Georgia

  • The unemployment rate was up three-tenths to 3.4 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.8 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was down 159 over-the-month and down 1,455 over-the-year, to 144,669.

  • The number of employed was down 639 over-the-month and down 915 over-the-year, to 139,684.

  • Initial claims were up 234 (36%) over-the-month and up 63 (8%) over-the-year, to 880.

 

Three Rivers

  • The unemployment rate was up three-tenths to 3.0 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.3 percent one year ago.

  • The labor force was up 1,016 over-the-month and up 3,663 over-the-year, to 261,547.

  • The number of employed was up 186 over-the-month and up 4,304 over-the-year, to 253,574.

  • Initial claims were up 1,597 (171%) over-the-month and down 646 (-20%) over-the-year, to 2,529.