Athens saw a slight increase in the jobless rate in January. According to numbers released by the Georgia Department of Labor on Thursday, the four-county Athens Metropolitan Statistical Area had an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is up two-tenths of a percent over the month. The Classic City recorded the same rate a year ago.
According to state Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes, increases in unemployment rates are typical due to seasonal and holiday-related positions ending. Athens ended January with 107,700 jobs, down 1,200 over the month, and up 2,800 over the year.
The labor force in Athens was down 194 over the month and increased by 2,550 over the year, to 112,554.
Athens finished the month with 109,044 employed residents, down 427 over the month and up 2,491 from a year ago.
According to the Labor Department, unemployment was up across all of Georgia’s 12 regional commissions in January.
“Georgia’s diversified economy is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Rivera Holmes. “That mix of industries and talent allows us to respond quickly to shifting workforce demands across sectors while continuing to expand opportunity for hardworking Georgians — a strength that helps Georgia remain a top state for business and talent.”
