The unemployment rate for the county in April was 2.4 percent, down from 3.2 in March. The rate is at its lowest since last April.
Other changes over the past year include an increase in the labor force by about 2,500 workers, along with the addition of 3,900 new Athens jobs, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.
In the short term, however, the labor force decreased by almost 900 in the last month. This group includes anyone 16 or older who is employed or looking for work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the statewide unemployment rate was 3.1 last month.
“When you consider the number of existing companies expanding throughout the state combined with the incredible announcements of corporations moving to our state, the future continues to look very bright for the labor market,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said. “As we approach the summer months, we are optimistic that job growth will remain steady in virtually every sector in the state.”