Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Savannah recorded an unemployment rate of 3.0 percent in May, up six-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.0 percent.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

The labor force increased in Savannah by 1,818 and ended the month with 206,118, an all-time high. That number went up by 6,183 when compared to May of 2023.

Savannah finished the month with 199,873 employed residents, an all-time high. That number increased by 520 over-the-month and rose by 5,929 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Savannah ended May with 208,100 jobs, an all-time high. That number went up from the previous month by 1,600 and rose by 4,500 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 9 (-2%) in Savannah. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 35 (-6%).