Metro Athens Labor Force Hits All-Time High as Employment & Jobs Grow
Friday, September 25th, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area saw its labor force reach an all-time high in August, along with gains in employment and jobs. The over-the-month unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.0%, and down from 3.4% a year ago.
“Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers. As we build Georgia into a Top State for Talent, we’re creating a place where people can work, businesses can invest and communities can thrive.”
The labor force in Athens was up 2,123 over the month and increased by 4,356 over the year, to 113,801, an all-time high.
Athens finished the month with 110,340 employed residents, up 2,036 over the month and 4,574 from a year ago.
Athens ended August with 108,400 jobs, up 2,100 over the month and up 1,900 over the year.
In August, initial unemployment claims were down by 34 over the month and by 98 from a year ago, totaling 186.
