Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Savannah recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in August, up four-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

“Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot for business for 11 years running,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With statewide unemployment on the rise over the past four months, it’s crucial that we strengthen our efforts to connect more Georgians with jobs, remove barriers to employment, and foster an environment where Georgia businesses and families can thrive together.”

The labor force decreased in Savannah by 2,361 and ended the month with 203,994. That number went up by 3,349 when compared to August of 2023.

Savannah finished the month with 196,318 employed residents. That number decreased by 3,059 over-the-month and rose by 2,242 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Savannah ended August with 207,500 jobs. That number went down from the previous month by 800 and rose by 4,100 when compared to this time last year.

In August, initial unemployment claims were up by 130 in Savannah. When you compare August 2024 claims to August 2023, claims were up by 55, totaling 718.