The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.8%, up six-tenths from September to November. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.
 
“Jobs are growing in every metro area because Georgia's businesses continue to invest and hire,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That job growth means real paychecks supporting hardworking Georgians across our state. As we move into 2026, we'll continue connecting Georgians to mortgage-paying jobs and ensuring businesses have the skilled talent they need to grow.”
 
Albany’s labor force increased by 455 from September to November and decreased by 138 over the year, to 62,334.
 
Albany finished the month with 59,347 employed residents, up 53 from September to November and down 605 from a year ago.
 
Albany ended November with 61,500 jobs, an increase of 300 over the month and a decrease of 400 from a year ago.
 
In November, initial unemployment claims decreased by 66 over the month and by 88 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 181.