Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Hinesville recorded an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in May, up four-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.5 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 Hinesville by 271 and ended the month with 35,464, an all-time high. That number went up by 773 when compared to May of 2023.

Hinesville finished the month with 34,229 employed residents, an all-time high. That number increased by 118 over-the-month and rose by 735 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Hinesville ended May with 22,300 jobs, an all-time high. That number increased by 100 from April to May and went up by 300 when compared to this time last year.

In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 88 (-44%) in Hinesville. When you compare May 2024 claims to May 2023, claims were down by 26 (19%)