The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.0%, down seven-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.8%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Athens was down 26 over the month and increased by 848 over the year, to 110,115.

Athens finished the month with 106,816 employed residents, up 705 over the month and up 637 from a year ago.

Athens ended December with 106,600 jobs, down 200 over the month and down 300 over the year.

In December, initial unemployment claims rose by 62 over the month and were down 282 from a year ago, totaling 208.