Georgia reached new all-time highs for both its labor force and employment in July, while the state’s unemployment rate declined to 3.3%, according to new figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.
Georgia’s labor force increased by 2,941 people during the month to a record 5,480,790. That represents an increase of 67,210 people compared with July of last year.
Employment also reached a record, climbing by 7,556 during July to 5,301,774. Employment has increased by 68,807 over the past year.
“Georgians are working at the highest levels of employment and labor force participation in our state’s history,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said. “A record like this is not a finish line; it is a responsibility to make sure every Georgian has the opportunity to get ahead and experience the dignity of work.”
The state’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3%, remaining 0.8 percentage points below the national rate. Georgia’s unemployment rate was also 3.3% one year ago.
The number of unemployed Georgians declined by 4,615 in July to 179,016 and was down by 1,597 compared with a year ago.
Despite the record employment numbers, Georgia saw a decline in total jobs for the second consecutive month. Jobs decreased by 9,200 in July to 4,977,500 and were down 15,700 compared with the same time last year.
Health care and social assistance led monthly job gains with 1,600 positions added, followed by construction with 1,100 and information with 800. Durable goods manufacturing added 700 jobs, while private educational services gained 600.
The largest monthly declines came in local government, which lost 2,000 jobs, followed by administrative and support services with a decline of 1,900. Accommodation and food services lost 1,600 jobs, while professional and technical services declined by 1,500.
Over the past year, health care and social assistance posted the largest increase, adding 20,700 jobs. Durable goods manufacturing added 2,900 positions, and private educational services gained 1,900.
Professional and technical services experienced the largest year-over-year decline, losing 11,500 jobs. Federal government employment was down 9,800, while finance and insurance lost 4,100 positions.
The Department of Labor also reported that initial unemployment claims increased by 1,388 in July to 20,150. However, claims were down by 4,677 compared with a year earlier.
Local unemployment and employment numbers are expected to be available next week.