Metro Athens Labor Force and Employment Reach All-Time Highs as Jobs Increase in September
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded gains in labor force, employment and jobs in September, with labor force and employment reaching all-time highs. The unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.3%, up from 3.1% in September 2025.
“Momentum is building across Georgia,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With sustained regional growth, our strong economy and competitive workforce drive continuous opportunity. We are building the Top State for Talent to keep Georgia the clear choice for job creators and families alike.”
The labor force in Athens was up 1,794 over the month and increased by 3,362 over the year, to 115,517, an all-time high.
Athens finished the month with a record 111,672 employed residents, up 1,407 over the month and 2,938 from a year ago.
Athens ended September with 108,400 jobs, up 100 over the month and up 400 over the year.
In September, initial unemployment claims were down by seven over the month and by 20 from a year ago, totaling 179.
Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.ga.gov
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
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.
Follow the Georgia Department of Labor on social media for additional news and updates.
