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Metro Gainesville Reports Gains in Labor Force, Employment and Jobs in August

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, September 29th, 2026

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the one-county Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area saw gains in its labor force, employment and jobs in August. The over-the-month unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percentage point to 2.8%, down from 3.1% a year ago.
 
 
“Georgia’s economy continues to deliver,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. “Across the state, we’re seeing a strong labor force and regional growth that reflects an economy rewarding hard work, encouraging job creation and removing unnecessary barriers. As we build Georgia into a Top State for Talent, we’re creating a place where people can work, businesses can invest and communities can thrive.”
 
The labor force in Gainesville increased by 496 over the past month and by 1,632 over the year, reaching 111,582. 

Gainesville finished the month with 108,436 employed residents. That number increased by 326 over the month and was up by 1,847 from the same time a year ago.

Gainesville ended August with 108,800 jobs. That number increased by 300 from the previous month and was down by 700 from the same time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 197 from the previous month and by 138 from the same month a year ago, totaling 204.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office

[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.

For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.