The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the two-county Hinesville Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.7%, down eight-tenths over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.6%.

“In December, more Georgians were working and unemployment dropped across every area in the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Looking ahead in 2026, we remain committed to creating pathways to in-demand careers, supporting businesses with the talent they need, and making sure every Georgian can turn these employment gains into meaningful opportunity.”

The labor force in Hinesville decreased by 98 over the month and ended at 30,963. That number decreased by 22 compared to the same time last year.

Hinesville finished December with 29,805 employed residents, up 156 over the month and down 78 from December 2024.

Hinesville ended December with 21,900 jobs. That number was unchanged over the month and was down 300 over the year.

In December, initial unemployment claims rose by 54 over the previous month and increased by 23 from the same month a year ago, totaling 152.