Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in May, up four-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.7 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force increased in Columbus by 554 and ended the month with 123,269. That number went up by 3,043 when compared to May of 2023.

Columbus finished the month with 118,550 employed residents. That number decreased by 41 over-the-month and rose by 2,815 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended May with 123,900 jobs. Jobs were up by 500 from April to May and rose by 2,200 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 12 (-3%) in Columbus. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 82 (-18%).