Northwest Georgia’s labor force and employment numbers reached all-time highs in September, according to new figures released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, which includes Dade County and surrounding communities, reported a record labor force of 467,432 in September. That represents an increase of 6,163 from August and 12,004 compared to September 2025.
The number of employed residents also reached a record high of 451,603, an increase of 5,338 over the month and 10,995 over the year.
Despite those gains, the region’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.4 percent in September, up from 3.3 percent in August. The rate was also 3.3 percent during the same month last year.
The latest report reflects continued workforce growth across Northwest Georgia, including Dade County communities such as Trenton, Rising Fawn and Wildwood.
However, initial unemployment claims in the region increased during September. Claims rose by 695 compared to August and were up 102 from a year earlier, reaching 2,053.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the latest numbers demonstrate continued economic growth across the state.
“Momentum is building across Georgia,” said Holmes. “With sustained regional growth, our strong economy and competitive workforce drive continuous opportunity. We are building the Top State for Talent to keep Georgia the clear choice for job creators and families alike.”
Statewide, all 12 of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported increases in both labor force participation and employment during September.
Six regions, including Northwest Georgia, established all-time highs in both categories. The other regions reaching record levels were Atlanta, Central Savannah River, Coastal Georgia, Northeast Georgia and Three Rivers.
For Dade County and the surrounding Northwest Georgia region, the latest figures indicate that more residents are entering the workforce while employment continues to expand.
Although the regional unemployment rate increased slightly, the record-setting labor force and employment totals point to continued growth in the Northwest Georgia labor market.
The figures released Thursday represent the Northwest Georgia region as a whole, rather than Dade County individually. County-specific employment and unemployment figures are reported separately by the Georgia Department of Labor.