Unemployment declined across Northwest Georgia in December, with the region posting some of its strongest labor figures on record, according to data released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor.
The Northwest Georgia unemployment rate fell eight-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 3.1 percent, down from 3.6 percent a year earlier. The region’s labor force grew by 885 in December and by 3,180 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 459,957. Employment also reached a record level, increasing by 4,207 over the month and by 5,363 over the year to 445,548. Initial unemployment claims totaled 7,613, up 5,227 from November and up 568 compared to December 2024.
Statewide, unemployment dropped across all 12 of Georgia’s regional commissions in December. “In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”
In the Dalton metropolitan area, which includes Whitfield and Murray counties, the unemployment rate fell nine-tenths over the month to 3.5 percent. One year ago, the rate stood at 6.1 percent. The area’s labor force increased slightly to 68,064, though it was down 1,180 compared to December 2024.
Dalton recorded 65,669 employed residents in December, an increase of 598 from November and 674 over the year. The metro area ended the month with 69,500 jobs, down 200 over the month and unchanged from a year earlier. Initial unemployment claims rose to 4,323, an increase of 3,428 from the previous month and 919 more than the same time last year.