Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.3 percent in March as both the region’s labor force and employment numbers reached record highs, according to new data released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point from February and was slightly above the 3.2 percent rate recorded one year ago.
The region’s labor force climbed to an all-time high of 459,952, increasing by 2,155 over the month and by 4,086 compared to March of last year.
Employment numbers also set a new record in Northwest Georgia. The number of employed residents rose by 2,996 during March and was up 3,515 over the year, bringing total employment to 444,625.
Initial unemployment claims increased during the month. The Georgia Department of Labor reported 2,557 initial claims in Northwest Georgia in March, up 718 from February and 852 higher than the same time last year.
State Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said nearly all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported lower unemployment rates in March.
“There’s no better way to mark Economic Development Week than with measurable results,” Holmes said. “With the state labor force and employment both reaching all-time highs and unemployment falling across all metro areas and nearly all regional commissions, more Georgians are securing good-paying jobs that support families, build the future, and strengthen the communities they call home.”