The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the three-county Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area reported all-time labor force and employment highs in May, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, up three-tenths of a percentage point over the month. A year ago, the rate was 2.8%. 

"Every May, a new wave of talent enters Georgia's workforce as thousands of graduates begin their career search. This is what a growing talent pipeline looks like, and it is why companies keep investing here year after year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "With more than 5 million jobs across our state, there is a place for every Georgian, from the graduate landing a first role to the seasoned professional taking the next step. That is the kind of opportunity you can build a life on, and we will keep it within reach in every corner of our state." 

The labor force in Savannah increased by 1,406 over the month and ended the month at 220,823, an all-time high. That number increased by 4,483 from May 2025.   

 Savannah finished the month with a record-breaking 214,930 employed residents. That number increased by 722 over the month and 4,589 from the same time last year. 

 Savannah ended May with 216,700 jobs. Jobs increased by 800 from the previous month and 900 from the same time last year. 

 In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 24 from the previous month and 70 from the same month a year ago, totaling 421.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. 

For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.