The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% in July, down one-tenth over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.5%.

“Our greatest strength is our people and the businesses that call Georgia home," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "July’s unemployment numbers show progress across most metro areas, and even where there are slight upticks, year-over-year trends reflect our resilience. By investing in our workforce and supporting a strong environment for business, Georgia will continue to win and drive economic growth for all Georgians.”

The labor force in Valdosta decreased by 161 from the previous month and ended July with 59,958. That number declined by 1,745 from July 2024.

Valdosta finished July with 57,434 employed residents, down 120 from the previous month and down 1,502 from July 2024.

Valdosta ended July with 55,900 jobs, down by 400 over the month and by 800 from July 2024.

In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 42 from the previous month and fell by 74 from the same month a year ago, totaling 249.