Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in July, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor. This marks a decrease of one-tenth of a percentage point from June and places the state’s jobless rate eight-tenths lower than the national average.
“More Georgians are stepping into the workforce and securing jobs — a trend that’s held strong for two consecutive months,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Meanwhile, the number of unemployed has steadily declined for 11 straight months, resulting in an improved unemployment rate of 3.4% in July 2025, the lowest rate since April 2024. These gains reflect the power of putting workers first and building strong partnerships across Georgia.”
The state recorded a net loss of 500 jobs over the month, bringing total nonfarm employment to 4,995,500 positions. Over the past year, however, Georgia added 26,900 jobs.
Health care and social assistance reached a record high with 625,500 jobs in July. The sectors that experienced job growth during the month included health care and social assistance (up by 2,800), durable goods manufacturing (up by 2,700), construction (up by 2,100), professional, scientific and technical services (up by 1,500), and state government (up by 700).
On the other hand, sectors such as accommodation and food services lost 4,500 jobs; transportation, warehousing and utilities dropped by 1,400; finance and insurance decreased by 900; wholesale trade was down by 900; federal government reduced positions by 700; information fell by 700; and other services were also down by 700.
Year-over-year data show health care and social assistance gained the most jobs at an increase of 25,700 positions. Local government added another 6,700 roles while private educational services grew by 5,400 jobs. Arts, entertainment and recreation increased employment figures by about 5,300 while administrative and support services rose by approximately 3,800.
Sectors that saw job declines over the past year include transportation/warehousing/utilities (down by roughly 10,600), accommodation/food services (down about 3,900), information (down 3,000), wholesale trade (down 2,500) and retail trade (down 2 500).
The labor force increased slightly from June to July—rising to just over 5.37 million—but is down more than 39 thousand compared to last year’s figures. Employment also ticked up month-to-month but remains lower than levels reported twelve months ago.
Unemployment fell both for July—dropping below 186 thousand—and compared to last year when there were nearly eleven-and-a-half thousand more unemployed Georgians.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits increased in July but are still below where they stood a year earlier.
Employers seeking help or individuals looking for more information on unemployment benefits can reach GDOL staff online at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us or call their MyUI Claimant Portal hotline at 877-709-8185. Career Centers throughout Georgia continue providing in-person support statewide for those needing unemployment insurance benefit services.
For detailed reports on employment trends or current labor force data across Georgia visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.
