Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Athens saw a significant decrease in the unemployment rate over the month as the number of employed rose over 600 in July.  

"We are seeing positive labor market data across the state,” said Commissioner Butler. “The unemployment rate is down in every region, county, and metropolitan statistical area reflecting the strength of our state’s economy. Career opportunities remain high for job seekers as we continue to see rising jobs numbers in metro and rural areas throughout Georgia.”

In Athens, the unemployment rate was down one and two-tenths percentage points to 2.8 percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 6.9 percent.

The labor force decreased in Athens by 632 and ended the month with 96,357. That number is up 3,289 when compared to July of 2020.

Athens finished the month with 93,707 employed residents.  That number increased by 602 over the month and is up by 7,032 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended July with 91,600 jobs. That number increased by 3,400 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went down by 51 percent in Athens in July. When compared to last July, claims were down by about 92 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed about 2,701 active job postings in Athens for July.

Visit dol.georgia.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia, and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers and to connect with us on social media.

TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT  https://dol.georgia.gov/current-labor-force-data-and-graphs

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