Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in May, up seven-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.6 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force decreased in Augusta by 3,347 and ended the month with 267,699. That number went up by 3,131 when compared to May of 2023.

Augusta finished the month with 256,864 employed residents. That number decreased by 5,115 over-the-month and rose by 1,937 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended May with 246,700 jobs. That number decreased by 3,700 from April to May and was up by 1,300 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 96 (11%) in Augusta. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were up by 13 (1%).