Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in May, up eight-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 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 Athens by 146 and ended the month with 104,530. That number went up by 4,576 when compared to May of 2023.

Athens finished the month with 101,061 employed residents. That number decreased by 735 over-the-month and rose by 4,305 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended May with 104,400 jobs. That number decreased by 400 from April to May and rose by 4,200 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 69 (38%) in Athens. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 35 (-12%).