Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Albany recorded an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in August, up five-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.5 percent.

"August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "With the uptick in unemployment over the past month, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state's workforce."

The labor force decreased in Albany by 31 and ended the month with 64,874. That number went up by 678 when compared to August of 2022.

Albany finished the month with 62,050 employed residents. That number decreased by 347 over-the-month and rose by 725 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Albany ended August with 63,100 jobs. Jobs were unchanged over-the-month and up 900 over-the-year to 63,100.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 15 (-4%) in Albany. When you compare August 2023 claims to August 2022, claims were down by 303 (-48%).