The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in November, down five-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.4 percent.

“Georgia proves that smart leadership and bold policies drive economic success,” said GDOL Emergency Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “While other states struggle with overregulation and economic uncertainty, Georgia’s economy is thriving—job numbers are up in 12 regions, unemployment claims are down across the board, and businesses continue to choose our state as the best place to grow and invest. These results don’t happen by accident; they are the product of strong fiscal policies and a commitment to empowering job creators and hardworking Georgians. As we close out the year, Georgia remains a perennial leader in opportunity, innovation, and prosperity.”

The labor force decreased in Athens by 1,016 and ended the month with 105,162. That number went up by 1,349 when compared to November of 2023.

Athens finished the month with 101,861 employed residents. That number decreased by 479 over-the-month and rose by 576 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended November with 106,600 jobs, an all-time high. That number remained unchanged over-the-month and rose by 1,300 when compared to this time last year.

In November, initial unemployment claims decreased by 92 in Athens. When you compare November 2024 claims to November 2023, claims were up by 118, totaling 459.