Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Savannah recorded an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in January, up five-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

“Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses need.”

The labor force decreased in Savannah by 16 and ended the month with 197,309. That number decreased by 764 when compared to January of 2022.

Savannah finished the month with 191,230 employed residents. That number decreased by 1,054 over the month and decreased by 131 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Savannah ended January with 199,100 jobs. That number decreased by 2,600 from December to January and increased by 4,600 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went up by 29 percent in Savannah in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 2 percent.