Metro Columbus Reports Gains in Labor Force, Employment and Jobs in August
Friday, September 25th, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the seven-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area saw gains in its labor force, employment and jobs in August. The over-the-month unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%, down from 4.2% a year ago.
“Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers. As we build Georgia into a Top State for Talent, we’re creating a place where people can work, businesses can invest and communities can thrive.”
The labor force in Columbus was up by 597 over the month and increased by 1,409 over the year, totaling 130,580.
Columbus finished the month with 125,221 employed residents, up 423 over the month and by 1,462 from the same month last year.
Columbus ended August with 122,500 jobs. Job numbers were up by 500 over the month and were down by 600 from the same time last year.
In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 99 over the month and by 7 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 358.
