The Georgia Department of labor announced Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 2.6% in April, down eight-tenths from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 2.5%.

“This April, unemployment rates dropped across every region of Georgia,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “When we connect Georgians with meaningful work, we're putting food on tables, creating stability for individuals and families, and building an economy where our children can see their future—right here at home. This is how we grow a stronger Georgia—one job, one family, one community at a time.”
The labor force in Athens decreased by 793 over the month and rose by 1,350 over the year, totaling 109,287.

Athens finished the month with 106,448 employed residents. That number increased by 107 over the month and by 1,230 compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended April with 106,300 jobs. That number increased by 300 over the month and rose by 2,100 compared to this time last year.

In April, initial unemployment claims increased by 13 over the month and by 56 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 238.