Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Albany recorded an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent in August, up three-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 4.2 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment, and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Albany by 475 and ended the month with 64,866. That number went up by 1,227 when compared to August of 2023.

Albany finished the month with 61,715 employed residents. That number decreased by 638 over-the-month and went up by 737 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Albany ended August with 63,100 jobs. Jobs decreased by 300 over-the-month and were up by 1,100 over-the-year.

In August, initial unemployment claims in Albany decreased by 47 from the previous month. Comparing August 2024 to August 2023, claims were down by 37, totaling 292.