Dade and Walker Counties Continue to Post Low Unemployment Rates as Northwest Georgia Workforce Reaches Record High
TRENTON, Ga. — Dade and Walker counties continue to enjoy some of the lowest unemployment rates in northwest Georgia, even as the region’s overall jobless rate increased slightly during the latest reporting period.
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, Dade County’s unemployment rate stands at 2.9 percent, while Walker County’s rate is 3.0 percent.
Among neighboring counties:
- Catoosa County: 2.8%
- Dade County: 2.9%
- Walker County: 3.0%
- Whitfield County: 3.3%
- Chattooga County: 3.8%
Despite the low county unemployment rates, the overall Northwest Georgia unemployment rate increased four-tenths of a percentage point to 3.4 percent, matching the rate recorded one year ago.
There was positive news for the regional workforce as the labor force reached an all-time high of 460,744 people, increasing by 882 workers over the month and 7,391 over the past year. The record labor force reflects continued population and workforce growth across northwest Georgia.
The number of employed residents totaled 445,054, down 994 from the previous month but still 7,254 higher than one year ago, indicating long-term employment growth despite the slight monthly decline.
Meanwhile, initial unemployment claims rose to 1,808, an increase of 619 from the previous month, but remained 57 claims lower than the same period last year.
State labor officials say the data shows northwest Georgia continues to maintain a healthy labor market, with Dade and Walker counties remaining among the stronger-performing counties in the region. While hiring slowed slightly during the month, the record labor force and year-over-year employment gains point to continued economic strength across northwest Georgia.