Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in August, unchanged at 4.0 percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9 percent.

"August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "With the uptick in unemployment over the past month in many of Georgia's communities, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state's workforce."

The labor force decreased in Augusta by 2,757 and ended the month with 263,430. That number went up by 1,963 when compared to August of 2022.

Augusta finished the month with 252,862 employed residents. That number decreased by 2,587 over-the-month and rose by 1,511 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended July with 243,000 jobs. That number decreased by 1,100 from July to August and decreased by -300 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 402 (-27%) in Augusta. When you compare August 2023 claims to August 2022, claims were up by 56 (5%).