The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded month over month growth of its labor force and an unemployment rate of 3.2% in February, up one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.2%.

“Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.”

The labor force in Athens was up 1,096 over the month and increased by 3,680 over the year, to 113,677.

Athens finished the month with 110,038 employed residents, up 963 over the month and 3,534 from a year ago. 

Athens ended February with 108,200 jobs, up 500 over the month and 2,500 over the year.

In February, initial unemployment claims were down by 101 over the month and 23 from a year ago, totaling 169.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Director of Communications, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. 

For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.