Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Rome recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in May, up three-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force decreased in Rome by 127 and ended the month with 48,712. That number went up by 3,689 when compared to May of 2023.

Rome finished the month with 47,089 employed residents. That number decreased by 262 over-the-month and rose by 3,572 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Rome ended May with 47,700 jobs. That number decreased by 100 from April to May and rose by 3,400 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 234 (-44%) in Rome. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 63 (-17%).