The Georgia Department of labor announced Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 3.4% in March, unchanged from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 3.2%.
“In March, Georgians from every corner of the state stepped up, joining the workforce and filling critical jobs that drive our state’s economy forward,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "By working with regional partners across the state, we’re creating a globally competitive workforce — one that’s built to last and ready to lead Georgia into its next phase of prosperity."

The labor force in Athens increased by 538 over the month and by 990 over the year, totaling 110,185.

Athens finished the month with 106,442 employed residents. That number increased by 494 over the month and by 726 compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended March with 106,100 jobs. That number increased by 100 over the month and rose by 1,700 compared to this time last year.

In March, initial unemployment claims increased by 33 over the month and by 40 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 225.