The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in December, down five-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.2%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Augusta was up 1,542 over the month and up 5,765 over the year, totaling 271,365.

Augusta finished the month with 259,677 employed residents. That number increased by 2,918 over the month and increased by 5,168 compared to the same time a year ago.

Augusta ended the month with 251,000 jobs, up 1,200 over the month and up 3,100 from the same time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims rose by 410 over the month and decreased by 373 from the same time a year ago, totaling 1,055.