Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.0 percent in December, down one-tenth of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.0 percent.

“Georgia's success story is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million hardworking Georgians driving our state forward," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "As existing businesses scale new heights and a steady influx of new enterprises proudly choose Georgia as their home, the Peach State appears headed toward continued economic success.”

The labor force decreased in Valdosta by 625 and ended the month with 62,548. That number went up by 291 when compared to December of 2022.

Valdosta finished the month with 60,652 employed residents. That number decreased by 546 over-the-month and went up by 250 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended December with 57,300 jobs. That number remained unchanged from November to December and went up by 400 when compared to this time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims decreased by 1 (-1%) in Valdosta. When you compare December 2023 claims to December 2022, claims were up by 21 (11%).