Metro Gainesville Hits Record Highs in Labor Force and Employment in September
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the one-county Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area reached all-time highs in its labor force and number of employed residents in September. The over-the-month unemployment rate was up two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.0%, up from 2.7% a year ago.
“Momentum is building across Georgia,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With sustained regional growth, our strong economy and competitive workforce drive continuous opportunity. We are building the Top State for Talent to keep Georgia the clear choice for job creators and families alike."
Gainesville’s labor force increased by 796 over the month and by 1,976 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 112,548.
Gainesville finished September with an all-time high of 109,186 employed residents, up 579 over the month and 1,575 over the year.
Gainesville ended September with 108,500 jobs. That number decreased by 600 from the previous month and was down by 900 from the same time last year.
In September, initial unemployment claims increased by one from the previous month and were down by 229 from the same month a year ago, totaling 205.
Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.ga.gov
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
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.
Follow the Georgia Department of Labor on social media for additional news and updates.
