The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.6%, down eight-tenths over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Columbus was up 79 over the month and up 1,664 over the year, totaling 129,957.

Columbus finished the month with 125,215 employed residents, up 1,036 over the month and up 1,904 from the same month last year.

Columbus ended December with 124,400 jobs. Job numbers were unchanged over the month and rose by 1,000 from the same time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims increased by 150 over the month and fell by 120 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 492.