The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Albany recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in December, down three-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

“Georgia means business,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “With historic job growth nearing 5 million and unemployment rates outperforming the national average, Georgia is well on the way to making history. By expanding opportunities for all Georgians and attracting top-tier companies to every corner of the state, our story continues to be one of resilience and sustained economic success for the people and businesses that call the Peach State home.”

The labor force in Albany decreased by 430 in December, ending the month at 65,276. That number increased by 1,762 compared to December 2023.

Albany finished the month with 62,792 employed residents, down 233 over-the-month and up 1,395 compared to the same time a year ago.

Albany ended December with 64,100 jobs, reflecting an increase of 100 over-the-month and 1,700 over-the-year.

In December, initial unemployment claims in Albany rose by 85 from the previous month. Comparing December 2024 to December 2023, claims increased by 64, totaling 293.