Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in May, up seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

"Despite an uptick in the unemployment rate, Georgia's economy and job market remains red hot while the number of claims remains relatively low - especially compared to the national numbers," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "While one month does not signal a trend, my administration will continue to keep a close eye on the labor market to identify any new developments."

The labor force increased in Columbus by 535 and ended the month with 124,228. That number went up by 3,961 when compared to May of 2022.

Columbus finished the month with 119,565 employed residents. That number decreased by 341 over the month and went up by 3,251 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended May with 126,000 jobs. That number went up by 800 from April to May and rose by 5,100 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 3 percent in Columbus. When you compare May 2023 claims to May 2022, claims were up by about 34 percent.