The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8% in September, down two-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.7%.

“Unemployment in Georgia dropped across nearly every region in September," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "As we approach the end of the year, we’re staying focused on keeping workers ready, businesses strong, and opportunity growing across the state.”

The labor force in Valdosta increased by 246 from the previous month and ended September with 60,686. That number declined by 992 from September 2024.

Valdosta finished September with 58,406 employed residents, up 377 from the previous month and down 998 from September 2024.

Valdosta ended September with 56,300 jobs, down by 300 over the month and by 600 from September 2024.

In September, initial unemployment claims decreased by 2 from the previous month and rose by 11 from the same month a year ago, totaling 203.