Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Savannah posted strong annual numbers for jobs and employed residents in December.

According to preliminary data, Savannah saw its unemployment rate inch up, across the three-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA). 

“This was a very positive year for the state,” Butler said. “We saw over-the-year growth in almost every MSA, and our key jobs sectors continue to grow as the economy expands.”

Savannah’s unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points in December, reaching 2.7 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent.

Savannah ended December with 186,800 jobs.  Jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month but increased by 1,900 jobs when compared to the same time a year ago.

Savannah ended December with 182,554 employed residents.  That number decreased by 980 over the month but is up by 1,299 when compared to the same time a year ago.

The labor force decreased in December by 712 to reach 187,665. That number is down by 51 when compared to the same time last year.

The number of unemployment claims increased in December by about 37 percent. When compared to last December, claims were up by about 2 percent.

The MSA includes Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham counties.