Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Gainesville recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in August, up two-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 2.9 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce 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 Gainesville by 363 and ended the month with 114,283. That number went up by 2,253 when compared to August of 2023.

Gainesville finished the month with 110,493 employed residents. That number decreased by 641 over-the-month and rose by 1,656 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Gainesville ended August with 111,100 jobs. That number increased by 1,000 over-the-month and rose by 3,300 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 66 in Gainesville. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were up by 83, totaling 356.