Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in December, up one-tenth of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.7 percent. 

“Georgia's success story is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million hardworking Georgians driving our state forward," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "As existing businesses scale new heights and a steady influx of new enterprises proudly choose Georgia as their home, the Peach State appears headed toward continued economic success.” 

The labor force decreased in Athens by 681 and ended the month with 101,733. That number went up by 2,437 when compared to December of 2022. 

Athens finished the month with 98,862 employed residents. That number decreased by 810 over-the-month and rose by 2,222 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended December with 103,500 jobs. That number decreased by 100 from November to December and rose by 3,000 when compared to this time last year. 

In December, initial unemployment claims increased by 72 (21%) in Athens. When you compare December 2023 claims to December 2022, claims were up by 203 (97%).