Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Gainesville recorded an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent in January, up five-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.6 percent. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

“Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses need.”

The labor force increased in Gainesville by 590 and ended the month with an all-time high of 108,664. That number went up by 2,435 when compared to January of 2022.

Gainesville finished the month with an all-time high of 105,762 employed residents. That number increased by 63 over the month and increased by 2,324 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Gainesville ended January with 102,900 jobs. From December to January, job numbers decreased by 600. When compared to January of 2022, job numbers increased by 5,500.

The number of unemployment claims increased by 86 percent in Gainesville in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 87 percent.