Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in July, down one-tenth of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8 percent. 

“With over 5 million Georgians ready to work, our mission is clear: to turn this untapped potential into real, meaningful job opportunities,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “To build a stronger, more resilient Georgia for tomorrow, we must partner with businesses today to create jobs, leverage the power of our skilled workforce, and keep unemployment low.”

The labor force decreased in Columbus by 282 and ended the month with 123,081. That number went up by 2,432 when compared to July of 2023.

Columbus finished the month with 117,608 employed residents. That number decreased by 209 over-the-month and rose by 1,503 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended July with 123,400 jobs. Jobs were down by 900 from June to July and rose by 2,300 when compared to this time last year.

In July, initial unemployment claims increased by 145 in Columbus. When you compare July 2024 claims to July 2023, claims were down by 353, totaling 550.