Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Brunswick recorded an unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in May, up six-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.0 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force increased in Brunswick by 926 and ended the month with 56,817, an all-time high. That number went up by 1,970 when compared to May of 2023.

Brunswick finished the month with 54,998 employed residents, an all-time high. That number increased by 541 over-the-month and rose by 1,823 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Brunswick ended May with 49,200 jobs, an all-time high. That number went up by 600 over-the-month and rose by 1,200 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 2 (2%) in Brunswick. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were up by 7 (6%).