Metro Athens Reports 3.5% Unemployment Rate for June
Friday, July 24th, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.5% in June, up eight-tenths of a percentage point over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.6%.
“June brings the temporary seasonal changes we see every year as schools let out for the summer, but as Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, our year-over-year trends remain stable,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Short-term fluctuations are normal in a resilient economy, and the bigger picture is clear: Georgia remains a state where opportunity is within reach, hard work is rewarded, and every Georgian has the chance to build a better life.”
The labor force in Athens was down 398 over the month and increased by 5,266 over the year, to 112,817.
Athens finished the month with 108,854 employed residents, down 1,248 over the month and up 5,158 from a year ago.
Athens ended June with 107,700 jobs, down 800 over the month and up 4,200 over the year.
In June, initial unemployment claims were down by 17 over the month and up by 9 from a year ago, totaling 210.
Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].
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.
