Georgia 
 
Department of Labor 
 
NEWS RELEASE 
 
SUITE 642 
 
 
 
(404) 232-3685 
 
148 INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD, N.E. 
 
 
 
ATLANTA, GA 30303-1751 
 
 
 
FAX (404) 657-9996 
 
 Communications@dol.state.ga.us 
 
Michael Thurmond 
Commissioner 
 
Sam Hall 
Director of Communications 
 
March 20, 2008......................................................FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Georgia's unemployment rate continues to rise in February 
 
ATLANTA  The Georgia Department of Labor reported today that the state's unemployment rate rose to 5.3 percent in February, up two-tenths of one percent from a revised 5.1 percent in January. The rate is up one full percentage point over the year. 
 
The current state rate is one-tenth of one percent higher than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 5.2 percent. The state's rate increased from January to February because the number of people unemployed increased by 7,086, while 5,152 others left the job market. 
 
However, from January to February, preliminary data show Georgia gained 16,500 payroll jobs, 
an increase of four-tenths of one percent. The data includes workers who hold more than one job. 
The 11 metro areas of the state and their job increases include: 
 Albany, up 400, or six-tenths of one percent, from 64,000 to 64,400.  Athens, up 700, or nine-tenths percent, from 82,300 to 83,000.  Atlanta, up 7,800, or three-tenths of one percent, from 2,454,900 to 2,462,700.  Augusta, up 600, or three-tenths of one percent, from 216,300 to 216,900.  Columbus, up 700, or six-tenths of one percent, from 120,600 to 121,300.  Dalton, up 600, or eight-tenths of one percent, from 77,100 to 77,700.  Gainesville, up 300, or four-tenths of one percent, from 76,600 to 76,900.  Macon, up 400, or four-tenths of one percent, from 99,900 to 100,300.  Savannah, up 900, or six-tenths of one percent, from 160,200 to 161,100.  Valdosta, up 500, or nine-tenths of one percent, from 55,800 to 56,300.  Warner Robins, up 400, or seven-tenths of one percent, from 58,800 to 59,200. 
 
Georgia labor market data are not seasonally adjusted and are available at www.dol.state.ga.us. 
 
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685. TABLE AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm 
 
CY-08-83