Labor Dept: Athens unemployment rate up in August

The state Labor Department is reporting an August increase in the Athens unemployment rate, with last month’s jobless rate checking in at 3.8 percent, up from 3.1 percent in July. The four-county Athens metro covers Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Madison counties.

From the Ga Dept of Labor…

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Athens recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in August, up seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.5 percent.

“August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With the uptick in unemployment over the past month, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state’s workforce.”

The labor force increased in Athens by 1,977 and ended the month with 101,453. That number went up by 4,032 when compared to August of 2022.

Athens finished the month with 97,578 employed residents. That number increased by 1,214 over-the-month and rose by 3,537 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Athens ended August with 101,700 jobs, an all-time high. That number increased by 2,200 from July to August and rose by 4,300 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 14 (-5%) in Athens. When you compare August 2023 claims to August 2022, claims were up by 18 (7%).

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