Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Dalton recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% in January, up seven-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 5.1%.
“Georgia’s January unemployment rate hit its lowest point in over a year,” said Thompson. “This speaks volumes about our state’s economic resilience and ability to lead when times get tough. Regionally, we are seeing a slight seasonal uptick in January unemployment, but Georgia continues to be forward-thinking in its policy decisions and focus on sustainable economic growth. While we may see some softening of the economy over the coming months, Georgia is in a better position than most to overcome any challenges heading our way.”
The labor force increased in Dalton by 1,021 and ended the month with 60,426. That number went up by 1,393 when compared to January 2023.
Dalton finished the month with 57,820 employed residents. That number increased by 547 over-the-month and rose by 1,796 when compared to the same time a year ago.
Dalton ended January with 69,200 jobs. That number decreased by 600 from December to January and rose by 1,700 when compared to this time last year.
In January, initial unemployment claims increased by 1,965 (124%) in Dalton. When you compare January 2024 claims to January 2023, claims were down by 1,195 (-25%).
Thompson said all of Georgia’s regional commissions saw a slight increase in January unemployment rates.
Northwest Georgia (includes Whitfield and Murray counties)
The unemployment rate was up four-tenths to 3.2% over-the-month, the rate was 3.6% one year ago.
The labor force was up 2,600 over-the-month and up 6,847 over-the-year, to 442,433, an all-time high.
The number of employed was up 879 over-the-month and up 8,655 over-the-year, to 428,459.
Initial claims were up 3,893 (101%) over-the-month and down 1,813 (-19%) over-the-year, to 7,759.