Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Atlanta recorded an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent in December, down one-tenth from a revised 2.7 percent in November. A year ago, the rate was 2.8 percent. 

“Georgia’s highly-skilled workforce and business-friendly environment continues to drive positive economic growth across all corners of the state,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With the unemployment rate trending lower than the national average, we are well-positioned to help businesses remain competitive and find top-tier talent.”

The labor force increased in Atlanta by 7,398 and ended the month at 3,216,104. This number increased 40,523 when compared to December 2021. 

The number of employed increased 11,192 to 3,133,430 in December from November. From December 2021 to December 2022, the number of employed was up 47,696.

The number of unemployed was down 3,794 to 82,674 in December. From December 2021 to December 2022, the number of unemployed was down 7,173. 

Atlanta ended December with 3,043,200 jobs, an all-time high. Jobs were up 5,400 (0.2%) over the month and up 126,400 (4.3%) over the year. Job numbers were at an all-time high in Trade and Transportation, 663,400, Education and Health Services, 398,800, Financial Activities, 203,300, and Information, 126,700.

 The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing, 2,500, Transportation and Warehousing, 2,500, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 2,200, Finance and Insurance, 2,000, Accommodation and Food Services, 1,400, and Health Care and Social Assistance, 1,400.

The number of initial unemployment claims went down by 6 percent in Atlanta in December. When compared to last December, claims were up by about 27 percent.