The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.4%, up four-tenths from September to November. A year ago, the rate was 4.1%.

“Jobs are growing in every metro area because Georgia's businesses continue to invest and hire,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That job growth means real paychecks supporting hardworking Georgians across our state. As we move into 2026, we'll continue connecting Georgians to mortgage-paying jobs and ensuring businesses have the skilled talent they need to grow.”

The labor force in Columbus increased by 129 from September to November and by 1,239 over the year, totaling 129,986.

Columbus finished the month with 124,281 employed residents, down 429 from September to November but up 779 from the same month last year.

Columbus ended November with 124,600 jobs, an increase of 800 from the previous month and 1,300 from the same time last year.

In November, initial unemployment claims decreased by 28 from the previous month and fell by 135 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 342.