Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent in May, up seven-tenths of a percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force increased in Macon by 845 and ended the month with 100,532. That number went up by 2,177 when compared to May of 2023.

Macon finished the month with 96,440 employed residents. That number increased by 162 over-the-month and rose by 1,979 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Macon ended May with 101,600 jobs. That number increased by 600 from April to May and went up by 1,300 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims increased by 32 (7%) in Macon. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 316 (-40%).