The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Columbus recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% in March, unchanged from the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8%.

“In March, Georgians from every corner of the state stepped up, joining the workforce and filling critical jobs that drive our state’s economy forward,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "By working with regional partners across the state, we’re creating a globally competitive workforce — one that’s built to last and ready to lead Georgia into its next phase of prosperity."

The labor force in Columbus increased by 590 and ended the month at 129,121. That number decreased by 360 compared to March 2024.

Columbus finished the month with 123,656 employed residents. That number increased by 578 from the previous month and decreased by 907 from the same time a year ago.

Columbus ended March with 122,500 jobs. Job numbers increased by 300 from the previous month and rose by 100 from the same time last year.

In March, initial unemployment claims decreased by 25 over the month and increased by 34 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 407.