Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Atlanta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent in August, up five tenths from a revised 3.2 percent in July. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 percent.

"August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "With the uptick in unemployment over the past month, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state's workforce."

The labor force increased in Atlanta by 7,202 and ended the month with 3,252,085, an all-time high. This number increased by 70,641 when compared to July 2022.

The number of employed decreased by 11,009 to 3,130,635 in August. From August 2022 to August 2023, the number of employed was up by 51,275.

The number of unemployed was up by 18,211 to 121,450 in August. From August 2022 to August 2023, the number of unemployed was up by 19,366.

Atlanta ended August with 3,062,100 jobs. Jobs were up by 10,100 (0.3%) over-the-month and up by 54,000 (1.8%) over the year. In August, there 67,000 job listings in the Atlanta MSA.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Local Government, 8,400; Administrative and Support Services, 4,200; Health Care and Social Assistance, 2,600; Wholesale Trade, 1,200; and Specialty Trade Contractors, 1,100.

The number of initial unemployment claims went down by 2,720 (-15%) over-the-month to 15,132 in August.  Initial claims were up by 1,834 (14%) over-the-year.