Macon unemployment rate rises to 4.3% in June

Labor force, job numbers increase slightly; commissioner cites seasonal trends

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Georgia Department of Labor reported Thursday that the unemployment rate for the Macon Metropolitan Statistical Area rose to 4.3% in June, up three-tenths of a percentage point from May. The rate was 4.7% at the same time last year.

Seasonal trends drive shift

“June’s unemployment trends tell a familiar story — Georgia’s students are stepping into our workforce as schools let out for summer, creating the temporary unemployment and hiring fluctuations typical for this time of year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.

She added that Georgia’s job market remains strong following the announcement that the state surpassed 5 million jobs. “These students are stepping into a local workforce that belongs to them, in a state that’s proven over and over that when Georgians show up, opportunity follows,” she said.

Labor force and employment changes

The five-county Macon area’s labor force totaled 96,887 in June, an increase of 674 from the previous month. However, that number was down 639 from the same time a year ago.

The area reported 92,693 employed residents, up 310 from May but down 238 compared to June 2024.

Jobs and unemployment claims

Macon ended the month with 100,600 jobs, an increase of 600 from the previous month and 700 more than last year.

Initial unemployment claims in June totaled 422, up by two from May and down by 50 from June 2024.