The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded month-over-month growth of its labor force and an unemployment rate of 4.0%, unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9%.

“Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.”

The labor force in Valdosta increased by 692 over the month and ended February with 61,787. That number increased by 503 from February 2025.

Valdosta finished February with 59,318 employed residents, up 666 over the month and 422 over the previous year.

Valdosta ended February with 56,300 jobs, up by 500 over the month and down by 400 from February 2025.

In February, initial unemployment claims decreased by 100 from the previous month and by 4 from the same month a year ago, totaling 183.