Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in April, down seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3 percent.

"With Georgia's economy continuing to soar, the state unemployment rates remain steady,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “When you consider the number of existing companies expanding throughout the state combined with the incredible announcements of corporations moving to our state, the future continues to look very bright for the labor market. "As we approach the summer months, we are optimistic that job growth will remain steady in virtually every sector in the state."

The labor force decreased in Columbus by 553 and ended the month with 123,778. That number went up by 3,642 when compared to April of 2022.

Columbus finished the month with 119,985 employed residents. That number increased by 330 over the month and went up by 3,485 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended April with 125,300 jobs. That number went up by 600 from March to April and rose by 4,600 when compared to this time last year.

In April, initial unemployment claims decreased by 13% in Columbus. When you compare April 2023 claims to April 2022, claims were up by about 7 percent.