Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Valdosta recorded an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent in August, up two-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment, and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Valdosta by 179 and ended the month with 63,096. That number went up by 274 when compared to August of 2023.

Valdosta finished the month with 60,137 employed residents. That number decreased by 315 over-the-month and went down by 212 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Valdosta ended August with 57,000 jobs. That number went up by 100 over-the-month and went up by 200 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 116 in Valdosta. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were down by 54, totaling 207.