Walker County’s unemployment rate stood at 3.2% in August as Northwest Georgia reached record highs in both its labor force and employment, according to new figures released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor.
Walker County reported a labor force of 33,053, with 31,985 people employed. The county had 1,068 people listed as unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 3.2%.
Across Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.3% in August. That remained below the 3.6% rate recorded one year ago.
The region’s labor force increased by 1,933 people from the previous month and by 10,799 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 461,334.
Employment in Northwest Georgia also reached a record high. The number of employed residents increased by 1,173 over the month and 11,797 over the year to 446,318.
Initial unemployment claims across the region fell to 1,358, a decrease of 598 from the previous month and 381 compared with the same period last year.
“Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes said. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers.”
Statewide, all 12 of Georgia’s Regional Commissions experienced labor force growth during August. Coastal Georgia, Northeast Georgia and Northwest Georgia reached all-time highs in their labor forces, while Coastal Georgia and Northwest Georgia also reached record levels of employment.
Walker County’s 3.2% unemployment rate was slightly below the overall Northwest Georgia rate of 3.3%.