Dalton sees drop in August unemployment rate

Published 11:00 am Saturday, September 28, 2024

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Dalton recorded an unemployment rate of 4.9% in August, down one-tenth of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 4.3%.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Dalton by 728 and ended the month with 59,571. That number went up by 651 when compared to August 2023.

Dalton finished the month with 56,654 employed residents. That number decreased by 618 over-the-month and rose by 246 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Dalton ended August with 69,200 jobs. Jobs increased by 100 over-the-month and rose by 900 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims increased by 503 in Dalton. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were down by 44, totaling 527.

Thompson said all of Georgia’s regional commissions reported a rise in August unemployment rates.

Northwest Georgia (includes Whitfield and Murray counties)

The unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 4.1% over-the-month, the rate was 3.5% one year ago.

The labor force was down 3,825 over-the-month and up 6,764 over-the-year, to 445,965.

The number of employed was down 4,405 over-the-month and up 4,163 over-the-year, to 427,862.

Initial claims were down 1,390 over-the-month and down 348 over-the-year, to 1,723.