Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4 percent in February. A year ago, the unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

"Pro-growth policies that foster innovation and drive success are why Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business and a perennial powerhouse in talent development," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "Even with a slowing nationwide economy, communities across Georgia continue to thrive with low unemployment and high job growth."

The labor force increased in Augusta by 1,754 and ended the month with 262,082. That number went down by 2,507 when compared to February of 2022.

Augusta finished the month with 251,621 employed residents. That number increased by 1,583 over the month and went down by 2,995 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended February with 241,500 jobs. That number increased by 1,000 from January to February and rose by 600 when compared to this time last year.

Historically, claims increase every January due to temporary seasonal manufacturing shutdowns and the retail sector shedding workers hired for the holiday season. In February, initial unemployment claims decreased by 41 percent in Augusta, dropping back to normal levels. When you compare February 2023 claims to February 2022, claims were up by about 20 percent.