Dade County’s unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in August as Northwest Georgia reached record highs in both its labor force and employment, according to figures released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor.
Dade County reported a labor force of 7,574 people, with 7,321 employed. A total of 253 people were listed as unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 3.3%.
Across Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month to 3.3%. The rate remained below the 3.6% recorded one year ago.
The region’s labor force increased by 1,933 people over the month and by 10,799 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 461,334.
Employment also reached a record high in Northwest Georgia. The number of employed residents increased by 1,173 from the previous month and by 11,797 from a year ago, reaching 446,318.
Initial unemployment claims across Northwest Georgia fell to 1,358, down 598 from the previous month and 381 from a year earlier.
“Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes said. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers.”
All 12 of Georgia’s Regional Commissions experienced labor force growth in August. Coastal Georgia, Northeast Georgia and Northwest Georgia reached all-time highs in their labor forces, while Coastal Georgia and Northwest Georgia also recorded all-time highs in employment.
Dade County’s 3.3% unemployment rate matched the overall Northwest Georgia rate for August.