The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in December, down three-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent.

“Georgia means business,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “With historic job growth nearing 5 million and unemployment rates outperforming the national average, Georgia is well on the way to making history. By expanding opportunities for all Georgians and attracting top-tier companies to every corner of the state, our story continues to be one of resilience and sustained economic success for the people and businesses that call the Peach State home.”

The labor force decreased in Columbus by 554 and ended the month with 122,436. That number went up by 1,756 when compared to December of 2023.

Columbus finished the month with 117,538 employed residents. That number decreased by 185 over-the-month and rose by 940 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended December with 125,500 jobs. Jobs were up 100 over-the-month and rose by 1,600 when compared to this time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims increased by 272 in Columbus. When you compare December 2024 claims to December 2023, claims were down by 70, totaling 573.