Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Albany recorded an unemployment rate of 4 percent in January, up six-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.3 percent. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

“Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses need.”

The labor force increased in Albany by 42 and ended the month with 64,620. That number went down by 676 when compared to January of 2022.

Albany finished the month with 62,013 employed residents. That number decreased by 340 over the month and fell by 443 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Albany ended January with 62,600 jobs. That number went down by 900 from December to January and increased by 1,600 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims increased by 16 percent in Albany in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 1 percent.