Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southern Georgia unemployment rate significantly decreased by 1.3 percentage points in October.

Additionally, Southern Georgia saw a monthly increase in both labor force and employment for October.

“In October, every region and county saw unemployment rates dramatically decrease, including some areas that dropped to pre-pandemic numbers, demonstrating how strong our economy was across the state prior to the crisis and how we are successfully recovering,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler.  “We have a significant number of jobs available on EmployGeorgia from all parts of the state for those looking for new career opportunities.  Filling these jobs will be critical for continuing the growth we need to progress economically.”

In Southern Georgia, the unemployment rate decreased by 1.3 percentage points, dropping the rate to 3.9 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent. 

The labor force increased in October by 7,431. The October total was 179,975. That number is up by 1,271 from the total from October 2019.

Southern Georgia ended October with 173,042 employed residents.  The number increased by 9,464 in October and was up 389 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment stayed flat in October. When compared to last October, claims were up by about 540 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 1,932 active job postings in Southern Georgia for October.