The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.7%, up seven-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.1%.

“Jobs are growing in every metro area because Georgia's businesses continue to invest and hire,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That job growth means real paychecks supporting hardworking Georgians across our state. As we move into 2026, we'll continue connecting Georgians to mortgage-paying jobs and ensuring businesses have the skilled talent they need to grow.”

The labor force in Macon increased by 44 from September to November and increased by 26 over the year, totaling 97,120.

Macon finished the month with 92,584 employed residents, down 610 from September to November and down 505 from a year ago.

Macon ended November with 100,900 jobs, up 600 from the previous month and up 300 from the same time last year.

In November, initial unemployment claims in Macon decreased by 27 from the previous month and were down by 46 from the same month last year, totaling 319.