The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area saw increases in employment and the labor force in July, while the unemployment rate fell five-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 3.6%. A year ago, the rate was 4.1%.

“July brought a clear victory for Georgia: Unemployment fell in every single metro area and region,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “When state leaders, local communities and Main Street businesses row in the same direction, results follow. We aren’t slowing down – our focus remains on putting Georgians to work, growing paychecks and building real opportunity in every corner of the state.”

The labor force in Valdosta increased by 21 over the month to 61,282. That number increased by 350 over the year.



Valdosta finished July with 59,069 employed residents, up 301 over the month and 648 over the year.



Valdosta ended July with 56,200 jobs, down 300 over the month and 300 over the year.



In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 28 over the month and decreased by 35 over the year, totaling 214.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office

[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.

For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.