Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Augusta recorded a strong October with key measures trending in the right direction.
 
For the month, Augusta increased its number of employed residents, added jobs and boosted its labor force. Most indicators were positive for the year as well for the seven-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
 
“This holiday season we have much to be thankful for,” Butler said. “The job market has been very robust this year. Our communities continue to grow and prosper.”
 
The unemployment rate for October, at 3.8 percent, was up .2 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.7 percent. That rate was tied for 12th lowest among the 14 MSAs. The rate increased in all 14 MSAs during October.
 
The labor force in Augusta grew by 1,314 in October to reach 269,224. That number is up by 1,505 over the past year – an average monthly increase of about 100.
 
Augusta gained 757 employed residents in October, pushing the total to 259,012. The number is up 3,953 for the year, or about 330 per month.
 
Jobs grew by 2,000 in October at 243,000. Augusta’s job total is up 4,400 over the year – an average monthly increase of about 360.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance increased by 25 percent in October. They were down by 20 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.