Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Rome recorded an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent in January, up eight-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.6 percent. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

“Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses need.”

The labor force increased in Rome by 317 and ended the month with 45,034. That number rose by 1,605 when compared to January of 2022.

Rome finished the month with 43,407 employed residents. That number decreased by 52 over the month and increased by 1,534 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Rome ended January with 43,800 jobs. That number decreased by 500 from December to January and went up by 2,800 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went up by 68 percent in Rome in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 183 percent.