Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Gainesville set records in December for labor force and employed residents

At the same time, Gainesville maintained annual growth in most critical measures across the one-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).   

“This was a very positive year for the state,” Butler said. “We saw over-the-year growth in almost every MSA, and our key jobs sectors continue to grow as the economy expands.”

The unemployment rate for December, at 2.2 percent, was up 0.1 percentage point over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 2.9 percent. The rate increased in all MSAs.

The labor force in Gainesville increased by 216 in December to reach 105,243- an all-time high. That number is up by 1,824 over the past year.

Gainesville added 101 employed residents in December, pushing the total to a new record high of 102,933. The number is up 2,531 for the year.

Jobs decreased by 100 in December to 98,400. The job total in Gainesville is up 3,400 over the year.

Claims for unemployment insurance increased by about 13 percent in December. They were up by about 21 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.