Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in October, up six-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 percent.

"Job seekers have continued to experience a favorable hiring environment across multiple job sectors, despite a slight uptick in unemployment rates," said Commissioner Butler. “As we prepare for peak holiday hiring, we encourage job seekers to take advantage of the many employment opportunities, both full-time and part-time, available across Georgia.”

The labor force increased in Valdosta by 92 and ended the month with 63,136. That number went down by 1,072 when compared to October of 2021.

Valdosta finished the month with 61,073 employed residents. That number decreased by 282 from September to October and decreased by 1,051 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended October with 56,500 jobs. That number remained the same from September to October and rose by 100 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went up by 28 percent in Valdosta in October. When compared to last October, claims were up by about 15 percent.