Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent in July, down one-tenth of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.5 percent.

“With over 5 million Georgians ready to work, our mission is clear: to turn this untapped potential into real, meaningful job opportunities,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “To build a stronger, more resilient Georgia for tomorrow, we must partner with businesses today to create jobs, leverage the power of our skilled workforce, and keep unemployment low.”

The labor force decreased in Valdosta by 226 and ended the month with 63,079. That number went up by 433 when compared to July of 2023.

Valdosta finished the month with 60,254 employed residents. That number decreased by 137 over-the-month and went down by 218 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended July with 56,700 jobs. That number went down by 100 from June to July and went up by 300 when compared to this time last year.

In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 80 in Valdosta. When you compare July 2024 claims to July 2023, claims were up by 31, totaling 323