Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in August, up two-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4 percent.

“As we look toward the fall, we are committed to supporting the workforce as employers search for seasonal, full-time, and part-time employees to fill vacancies in preparation for the holiday employment season,” said Commissioner Mark Butler.

The labor force increased in Valdosta by 132 and ended the month with 62,854. That number went down by 325 when compared to August of 2021.

Valdosta finished the month with 60,813 employed residents. That number decreased by 3 from July to August and increased by 160 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended August with 56,600 jobs. That number increased by 1,100 from July to August and rose by 1,400 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went down by 30 percent in Valdosta in August. When compared to last August, claims were down by about 51 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed about 454 active job postings in Valdosta for August.