Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta recorded an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent in August, up four-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment, and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Augusta by 3,012 and ended the month with 267,960. That number went up by 3,948 when compared to August of 2023.

Augusta finished the month with 253,738 employed residents. That number decreased by 3,939 over-the-month and rose by 45 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended August with 247,200 jobs. That number increased by 300 over-the-month and was up by 3,100 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 248 in Augusta. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were up by 84, totaling 1,190.