Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate significantly decreased by 1.1 percentage points in October.

Additionally, Northwest Georgia saw a monthly increase in both labor force and employment for October. 

“In October, every region and county saw unemployment rates dramatically decrease, including some areas that dropped to pre-pandemic numbers, demonstrating how strong our economy was across the state prior to the crisis and how we are successfully recovering,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler.  “We have a significant number of jobs available on EmployGeorgia from all parts of the state for those looking for new career opportunities.  Filling these jobs will be critical for continuing the growth we need to progress economically.” 

In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate decreased by 1.1 percentage points, dropping the rate to 3.5 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 percent.

The labor force increased in October by 14,698. The October total was 418,639. That number is down by 4,368 from the total from October 2019. 

Northwest Georgia ended October with 404,152 employed residents.  The number increased by 18,808 in October but was down 5,351 as compared to last year. 

Initial claims for unemployment decreased by 2 percent in October. When compared to last October, claims were up by about 384 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 5,345 active job postings in Northwest Georgia for October.