News Summary
Georgia’s unemployment benefits filings dropped last week, signaling a positive trend in the state’s job market. With new claims decreasing to 4,634, Georgia’s job growth remains robust, with health care leading in job gains. However, some sectors faced job losses. The state’s unemployment rate holds steady at 3.6%, reflecting a relatively strong labor market compared to the national average. Despite minor fluctuations in employment, the Georgia Department of Labor is committed to connecting talent with job opportunities to further bolster growth.
Atlanta, Georgia – Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia saw a decline last week, reflecting a positive trend in the state’s job market. For the week ending May 3, new jobless claims dropped to 4,634, a reduction from the previous week’s total of 5,565 claims.
This trend aligns with a broader national decrease in unemployment claims, where the U.S. reported a drop of 13,000 claims, bringing the total to 228,000 last week, on a seasonally adjusted basis. While most states experienced fluctuations, Michigan reported a staggering 128.3% increase in weekly unemployment claims, while Delaware saw the largest percentage decrease at 61.7%.
The stability of Georgia’s unemployment rate remains noteworthy, holding steady at 3.6% last month. This figure is significantly six-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national average, highlighting the state’s relatively strong labor market.
Job growth in Georgia also continued at an impressive pace. In March alone, the state added 6,900 jobs, resulting in a total of 4.98 million jobs in the state. Notably, the health care and social assistance sector led job gains, contributing 3,100 jobs during March. The information sector also made significant contributions, adding 2,400 jobs to the economy.
Job Losses in Specific Sectors
Despite overall job growth, some sectors faced setbacks. The transportation and warehousing sector experienced a loss of 3,200 jobs, while accommodation and food services saw a decline of 1,100 jobs. Additionally, Georgia’s labor force experienced a slight decline, decreasing by 6,619 to 5.38 million in March. During the same period, the number of employed individuals decreased by 6,654, reaching 5.19 million.
Unemployment Figures
The number of unemployed individuals in Georgia rose marginally by 35, totaling 192,143 individuals. On a brighter note, first-time unemployment claims saw a marked decrease, dropping by 1,168 to a total of 12,296 claims in March.
Yearly Job Growth Trends
Looking at the bigger picture, job growth over the past year reveals Georgia added 23,100 jobs overall. The most significant gains occurred in the health care and social assistance sector, which saw an increase of 22,500 jobs year-over-year. However, it is important to note that the labor force has decreased by 2,928 individuals over the past twelve months, while the number of unemployed individuals increased by 11,111.
Efforts to Connect Talent with Opportunities
The Georgia Department of Labor has emphasized its ongoing commitment to connecting talent with job opportunities across the state, reflecting the resilient nature of the state’s economy despite minor fluctuations. With continued efforts, officials aim to bolster job growth and reduce unemployment rates further in the coming months.
As job markets evolve, the state remains focused on fostering an environment conducive to growth, addressing both challenges and opportunities within various industries.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Savannah Now: Unemployment Numbers
- Grice Connect: Georgia Unemployment Remains Flat
- Augusta Chronicle: Unemployment Numbers
- Valdosta Today: GDOL Reports Jobs Added
- Access WDUN: Unemployment Rates in Gainesville
- Wikipedia: Unemployment
- Google Search: Unemployment Trends
- Google Scholar: Unemployment Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unemployment
- Google News: Unemployment 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
