Georgia jobless rate down for first time in more than a year

ATLANTA — Georgia’s unemployment rate declined in January for the first time in more than a year, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday.

The jobless rate of 3.1% was down from 3.2%, a rate that held steady throughout 2023. 

“With low unemployment and a competitive job market, Georgia’s workers and employers are thriving together,” Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson said Thursday.

“Fostering innovation, investing in skills, diversifying our economy and supporting businesses, especially sectors experiencing hiring and labor challenges, ensures Georgia will remain a hub of opportunity and prosperity for all.”

The state’s labor force grew by 914 in January to more than 5.3 million, while the total number of jobs rose by 1,500 to more than 4.9 million. However, the labor force participation rate declined slightly from 61.5% in December to 61.4%.

The number of employed Georgians hit an all-time high of nearly 5.2 million, up by 4,814 from the December total.

However, initial unemployment claims increased by 51% in January to 37,331. The January over-the-month increase is typical coming out of the holiday season.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Capitol Beat.