Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 4 percent in May, up eight-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

"Despite an uptick in the unemployment rate, Georgia's economy and job market remains red hot while the number of claims remains relatively low - especially compared to the national numbers," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "While one month does not signal a trend, my administration will continue to keep a close eye on the labor market to identify any new developments."

The labor force increased in Macon by 340 and ended the month with 100,751. That number went up by 1,081 when compared to May of 2022.

Macon finished the month with 96,704 employed residents. That number decreased by 470 over the month and rose by 286 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Macon ended May with 103,000 jobs. That number went up by 400 from April to May and increased by 2,000 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 54 percent in Macon. When you compare May 2023 claims to May 2022, claims were up by about 101 percent.