The state Labor Department is reporting an increase in the Athens unemployment rate, which checked in at 3.3 percent in May, up from 2.4 percent in April. 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 3.3 percent in May, up nine-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.9 percent.
“Despite an uptick in the unemployment rate, Georgia’s economy and job market remains red hot while the number of claims remains relatively low - especially compared to the national numbers,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “While one month does not signal a trend, my administration will continue to keep a close eye on the labor market to identify any new developments.”
The labor force increased in Athens by 318 and ended the month with 100,484. That number went up by 2,444 when compared to May of 2022.
Athens finished the month with 97,135 employed residents. That number decreased by 612 over the month and rose by 1,910 when compared to the same time a year ago.
Athens ended May with 100,700 jobs. That number increased by 100 from April to May and increased by 4,000 when compared to this time last year.
In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 25% in Athens. When you compare May 2023 claims to May 2022, claims were up by about 63 percent.