Macon Unemployment Rate Inches Up Slightly in January

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, March 15th, 2024

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in January, up two-tenths of a percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 3.8 percent.
  
“Georgia's January unemployment rate hit its lowest point in over a year,” said Commissioner Thompson. “This speaks volumes about our state's economic resilience and ability to lead when times get tough. Regionally, we are seeing a slight seasonal uptick in January unemployment, but Georgia continues to be forward-thinking in its policy decisions and focus on sustainable economic growth. While we may see some softening of the economy over the coming months, Georgia is in a better position than most to overcome any challenges heading our way.”
 
The labor force increased in Macon by 336 and ended the month with 98,701. That number went up by 48 when compared to January of 2023.
 
Macon finished the month with 95,214 employed residents. That number increased by 73 over-the-month and rose by 359 when compared to the same time a year ago.
 
Macon ended January with 100,200 jobs. That number decreased by 1,700 from December to January and went down by 200 when compared to this time last year.

In January, initial unemployment claims increased by 121 (26%) in Macon. When you compare January 2024 claims to January 2023, claims were down by 57 (-9%).