The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0%, down eight-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

Albany’s labor force increased by 90 from over the month and rose by 291 over the year, to 62,404.

Albany finished the month with 59,877 employed residents, up 553 over the month and up 148 from a year ago.

Albany ended December with 61,600 jobs, an increase of 200 over the month and a decrease of 500 from a year ago.