Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in March as the state’s labor force and employment reached record highs, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. The rate was down from a revised 3.6% in February and remained below the national unemployment rate.
Georgia’s labor force rose by 4,152 to 5,455,254, while employment increased by 5,355 to a record 5,262,263. The number of unemployed residents declined by 1,203 to 192,991.
Total jobs across the state climbed by 4,700 in March to 4,982,800, rebounding after two straight monthly declines. Compared with a year ago, jobs were up 2,500.
Health care and social assistance led monthly gains, adding 2,900 jobs and reaching a record 641,700 positions. Other gains came in wholesale trade, information, arts and entertainment, and other services.
Job losses were reported in accommodation and food services, construction, real estate, professional services, and private education.
Initial unemployment claims increased by 918 in March to 17,469 but were down from a year earlier.
