Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in December, down two-tenths over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent. 

“Georgia's success story is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million hardworking Georgians driving our state forward," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "As existing businesses scale new heights and a steady influx of new enterprises proudly choose Georgia as their home, the Peach State appears headed toward continued economic success.” 

The labor force decreased in Augusta by 527 and ended the month with 261,179. That number went up by 508 when compared to November of 2022. 

Augusta finished the month with 252,293 employed residents. That number decreased by 113 over-the-month and rose by 129 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended December with 245,000 jobs. That number increased by 900 from November to December and was down by 700 when compared to this time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims increased by 608 (92%) in Augusta. When you compare December 2023 claims to December 2022, claims were up by 96 (8%).