Northwest Georgia posts record unemployment in September

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that the Northwest Georgia region dropped its unemployment rate in September to a new record low.

At the same time, the annual and monthly numbers for labor force and employed residents increased in September for the 15-county area, preliminary numbers show.

“Georgia had an amazing month in September,” said Butler. “More than half of our regions set a record for lowest unemployment rate ever.  Many of our counties also posted similar numbers. Those are very strong results.”

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points in September to 3.5 percent. The nation also grew its labor force, increased the number of employed residents and added more 130,000 jobs.

Georgia’s unemployment rate also fell 0.1 percentage points in September to reach 3.5 percent.  A year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate sat at 3.7 percent. The state’s all-time low of 3.4 percent was set in December 2000.

Rates fell across all 12 of Georgia’s planning regions. Seven set a record for lowest rates ever.

In the region, the unemployment rate dropped 0.6 percentage points in September, settling at a record low 3 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.6 percent.

The labor force in Northwest Georgia increased by 1,844 in September, bringing the total to 420,600. The number has risen by 1,633 when compared to the same month a year ago.

Northwest Georgia added 4,481 employed residents in September, bringing the total to 408,072. The number is up 4,025 for the year.

Claims for unemployment insurance were up by about 3 percent in September. They were down by about 2 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 2,731 active job postings in Northwest Georgia for September.

The Northwest Georgia region includes Bartow, Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.