Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Savannah recorded an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in August, up seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 percent.

"August unemployment numbers continue to reinforce the strength of a vibrant Georgia economy," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "With the uptick in unemployment over the past month, it requires diligent and deliberate focus to balance opportunity with the needs within the state's workforce."

The labor force decreased in Savannah by 967 and ended the month with 201,081. That number went down by 4,735 when compared to August of 2022.

Savannah finished the month with 194,098 employed residents. That number decreased by 2,249 over-the-month and rose by 4,500 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Savannah ended August with 203,500 jobs. That number decreased by 1,000 from July to August and rose by 4,500 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims decreased by 117 (-15%) in Savannah. When you compare August 2023 claims to August 2022, claims were up by 2 (0%).