Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Augusta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent in October, up four-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.7 percent.

"While most regions across Georgia experienced a slight uptick in unemployment, our state continues to lead the way with an unemployment rate well below the national average," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "As job growth slows across the nation, Georgia’s resilience shines through—driven by commonsense policies that prioritize opportunity, growth, and a workforce ready to lead. This stability proves that Georgia’s economy is built not just to withstand challenges but to thrive for generations to come."

The labor force increased in Augusta by 736 and ended the month with 268,474. That number went up by 4,827 when compared to October of 2023.

Augusta finished the month with 255,215 employed residents. That number decreased by 501 over-the-month and rose by 1,212 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended October with 247,600 jobs. That number increased by 700 over-the-month and was up by 2,600 when compared to this time last year.

In October, initial unemployment claims increased by 3,267 in Augusta. When you compare October 2024 claims to October 2023, claims were up by 3,329, totaling 4,085.