Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Savannah saw its unemployment rate drop a substantial 1.9 percentage points in October.

Savannah also saw monthly increases across all major indicators, including labor force, number of employed residents, and jobs for October.

“In October, every MSA saw unemployment rates dramatically decrease, including some areas that dropped to pre-pandemic numbers, demonstrating how strong our economy was across the state prior to the crisis and how we are successfully recovering,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler.  “We have a significant number of jobs available on EmployGeorgia from all parts of the state for those looking for new career opportunities.  Filling these jobs will be critical for continuing the growth we need to progress economically.” 

In Savannah, the unemployment rate decreased 1.9 percentage points in October, reaching 4.8 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3 percent.

The labor force increased in Savannah by 6,047 and ended the month with 187,347. That number is down 1,207 when compared to October of 2019. 

Savannah finished the month with 178,407 employed residents.  That number increased by 9,264 over the month and is down by 4,571 when compared to the same time a year ago. 

Savannah ended October with 180,700. jobs. That number increased by 2,700 from September to October but decreased by 5,500 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went down by 9 percent in Savannah. When compared to last October, claims were up by about 1,002 percent.