Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Atlanta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in September, down three-tenths from a revised 3.7 percent in August. A year ago, the rate was 2.7 percent. 

 "Georgia reigns as the ultimate destination for business and economic opportunity," said Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "However, with recent workforce reductions at Geico, Yellow Freight, and other companies throughout the state, we need to be cognizant of the financial pressures creating some instability within our existing business community. In today's ever-shifting global market, we must remain vigilant and lead with innovation."

The labor force increased in Atlanta by 23,353 and ended the month with 3,274,690, an all-time high. This number increased by 95,617 when compared to September 2022.

The number of employed increased by 32,743 to 3,162,707 in September, an all-time high. From September 2022 to September 2023, the number of employed was up by 69,587.

The number of unemployed was down by 9,390 to 111,983 in September. From September 2022 to September 2023, the number of unemployed was up by 26,030.

Atlanta ended September with 3,072,800 jobs. Jobs were up by 9,500 (0.3%) over-the-month and up by 66,800 (2.2%) over the year. In September, there 59,000 job listings in the Atlanta MSA.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included State Government, 4,800; Administrative and Support Services, 4,200; Private Educational Services, 3,500; Local Government, 1,500; and Repair and Maintenance, 1,000.

The number of initial unemployment claims went down by 3,503 (-23%) over-the-month to 11,629 in September.  Initial claims were up by 1,106 (11%) over-the-year.