Gordon County posts record unemployment in September

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Gordon County set a record in September for its unemployment rate ever.

At the same time, labor force and employed residents increased in September, preliminary numbers show.

“Georgia had an amazing month in September,” said Butler. “More than half of our regions set a record for lowest unemployment rate ever.  Many of our counties also posted similar numbers. Those are very strong results.”

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points in September to 3.5 percent. The nation also grew its labor force, increased the number of employed residents and added more 130,000 jobs.

Georgia’s unemployment rate also fell 0.1 percentage points in September to reach 3.5 percent.  A year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate sat at 3.7 percent. The state’s all-time low of 3.4 percent was set in December 2000.

Rates fell across all 12 of Georgia’s planning regions. Seven set a record for lowest rates ever.

In Gordon County, the unemployment rate dropped 0.7 percentage points in September, settling at a record low 2.8 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent.

The labor force in Gordon County increased by 11 in September, bringing the total to 27,539. The number has decreased by 242 when compared to the same month a year ago.

Gordon County added 200 employed residents in September, bringing the total to 26,759. The number is down 89 for the year.

Claims for unemployment insurance were down by about 41 percent in September. They were down by about 4 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 366 active job postings in Gordon County for September.