Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 4.8 percent in August, up two-tenths of a percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.2 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment, and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Macon by 971 and ended the month with 100,203. That number went up by 1,657 when compared to August of 2023.

Macon finished the month with 95,346 employed residents. That number decreased by 1,193 over-the-month and rose by 901 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Macon ended August with 102,200 jobs. That number was unchanged from the previous month and went up by 1,800 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 59 in Macon. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were down by 80, totaling 472.