The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the five-county Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.9%, down eight-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 4.0%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Macon increased by 115 over the month and increased by 400 over the year, totaling 97,212.

Macon finished the month with 93,447 employed residents, up 875 over the month and up 529 from a year ago.

Macon ended December with 101,000 jobs, up 100 from the previous month and down 100 from the same time last year.

In December, initial unemployment claims in Macon increased by 129 from the previous month and were up by 4 from the same month last year, totaling 448.