The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the four-county Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0% in January, up four-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9%. January’s increases in unemployment rates across the state reflect historical patterns as many seasonal and holiday-related positions come to an end. 

“Georgia’s diversified economy is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That mix of industries and talent allows us to respond quickly to shifting workforce demands across sectors while continuing to expand opportunity for hardworking Georgians — a strength that helps Georgia remain a top state for business and talent.”

The labor force in Valdosta decreased by 579 over the month and ended the period with 61,029. That number was down 449 from one year ago.

Valdosta finished the month with 58,583 employed residents, down 812 over the month and down 509 over the previous year.

Valdosta ended the period with 55,800 jobs, a decrease of 1,000 over the month and down 500 from one year ago.

In the same period, initial unemployment claims totaled 283, an increase of 64 over the month and a decrease of 86 from the same month a year ago.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Director of Communications, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.  

For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.