Metro Columbus Reports Growth in Labor Force, Employment and Jobs in March
Friday, May 8th, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded gains in the labor force, employment and job growth in March. The unemployment rate was 4.2%, unchanged over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8%.
“There's no better way to mark Economic Development Week than with measurable results,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With the state labor force and employment both reaching all-time highs and unemployment falling across all metro areas, more Georgians are securing good-paying jobs that support families, build the future, and strengthen the communities they call home.”
The labor force in Columbus was up 494 over the month and 415 over the year, totaling 130,537.
Columbus finished the month with 124,991 employed residents, up 354 over the month and down by 123 from the same month last year.
Columbus ended March with 121,800 jobs. Job numbers were up 200 over the month and down by 800 from the same time last year.
In March, initial unemployment claims increased by 605 over the month and rose by 654 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 1,061.
