Labor Dept reports dip in Athens area unemployment rate

The state Labor Department is reporting another dip in the unemployment rate for the four-county Athens metro that includes Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Madison counties. The jobless rate checked in at 2.5 percent for April, down from 3.1 percent in March.

From the Ga Dept of Labor...

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.4 percent.

“Empowering the right people, in the right place, at the right time to make the right decisions is why Georgia continues to lead the nation in low unemployment and job opportunities for hardworking Georgians,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “From the state to the local level, Georgia is focused on creating an environment where businesses can thrive, and everyday workers can find good jobs and build better lives.”

The labor force decreased in Athens by 285 and ended the month with 104,524. That number went up by 4,537 when compared to April of 2023.

Athens finished the month with 101,931 employed residents. That number increased by 376 over-the-month and rose by 4,331 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended April with 105,000 jobs. That number increased by 300 from March to April and rose by 4,400 when compared to this time last year.

In April, initial unemployment claims decreased by 3 (-2%) in Athens. When you compare April 2024 claims to April 2023, claims were down by 47 (-21%).