Geogia Mountains Unemployment Rate Up Slightly in January

All of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw a slight increase in January unemployment rates.

In the Georgia Mountains Region, which includes Franklin, Hart, and Stephens counties, the unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 2.6 percent over the month, the rate was 3.0 percent one year ago.

Initial claims were up 135 (15%) over the month and down 246 (-19%) over the year, to 1,069.

State Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said regionally his office is seeing a slight seasonal uptick in the January unemployment rate, but Georgia continues to be forward-thinking in its policy decisions and focus on sustainable economic growth.

Overall, Georgia’s January unemployment rate hit its lowest point in over a year.

Thompson said the lower rate speaks volumes about Georgia’s state’s economic resilience and ability to lead when times get tough.

He added that while Georgia might see some softening of the economy over the coming months, the State is in a better position than most to overcome any challenges heading our way.

The labor force in the Georgia Mountains Region was up 984 over the month and up 8,757 over the year, to 251,225.

Additionally, the number of employed was up 299 over the month and up 9,389 over the year, to 244,601.