Metro Albany Reports March Job and Employment Growth; Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.0%
Friday, May 8th, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded month-over-month job and employment growth, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, down three-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.
“There's no better way to mark Economic Development Week than with measurable results,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With the state labor force and employment both reaching all-time highs and unemployment falling across all metro areas, more Georgians are securing good-paying jobs that support families, build the future, and strengthen the communities they call home.”
Albany’s labor force decreased by 128 over the month and 1,236 over the year, to 61,003.
Albany finished the month with 58,548 employed residents, up 46 over the month and down 1,206 from a year ago.
Albany ended March with 59,300 jobs, an increase of 100 over the month and a decrease of 2,000 from a year ago.
In March, initial unemployment claims increased by 17 over the month and declined by 18 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 235.
For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket
