Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 2.4 percent in April, down eight-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.4 percent.

"With Georgia's economy continuing to soar, the state unemployment rates remain steady,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “When you consider the number of existing companies expanding throughout the state combined with the incredible announcements of corporations moving to our state, the future continues to look very bright for the labor market. "As we approach the summer months, we are optimistic that job growth will remain steady in virtually every sector in the state."

The labor force decreased in Athens by 887 and ended the month with 100,243. That number went up by 2,501 when compared to April of 2022.

Athens finished the month with 97,816 employed residents. That number decreased by 85 over the month and rose by 2,392 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended April with 101,800 jobs. That number decreased by 200 from March to April and increased by 3,900 when compared to this time last year.

In April, initial unemployment claims increased by 11% in Athens. When you compare April 2023 claims to April 2022, claims were up by about 13 percent.