The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.6%, down eight-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Valdosta decreased by 97 over the month and ended December with 61,168. That number declined by 354 from December 2024.

Valdosta finished December with 58,963 employed residents, up 410 over the month and down 214 over the previous year.

Valdosta ended December with 56,700 jobs, unchanged over the month and down by 900 from December 2024.

In December, initial unemployment claims increased by 71 from the previous month and fell by 83 from the same month a year ago, totaling 219.