Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent in August, up six-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.6 percent.

"August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "With the uptick in unemployment over the past month, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state's workforce."

The labor force increased in Valdosta by 635 and ended the month with 62,549. That number went up by 247 when compared to August of 2022.

Valdosta finished the month with 59,917 employed residents. That number increased by 205 over-the-month and went down by 126 when compared to the same time a year ago.

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

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 31 (-11%) in Valdosta. When you compare August 2023 claims to August 2022, claims were down by 23 (-8%).