AT L A N TA 
 
METROPOLITAN 
Economic 
 
Indicators 
 
A Monthly Report of Atlanta Labor Market and Economic Trends 
 
December 2001 
 
Volume 4, Issue 10 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
Michael L. Thurmond Commissioner 
 
 Metro Rockdale 
 
P ic k e n s Bartow Cherokee Forsyth 
 
Cobb P a u ld in g 
 
G w innett B arrow 
 
C arroll 
 
D ouglas Fulton D eK alb 
Cla yton 
 
W alton Newton 
 
Fa ye tte 
Coweta 
 
Henry 
 
S p a ld in g 
 
Atlanta 
Economic 
Indicators 
Monthly Report Volume 4, Issue 10 December 2001 
 
October 2001 Data Cover art: "Wrens Nest", Atlanta, Georgia by Huey J. Theus, Mableton, Georgia 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators is published by Workforce Information and Analysis, a division of the Georgia Department of Labor, 148 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 303031751. The telephone number is (404) 656-3177. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner 
An Equal OpportunityEmployer/Programs Auxiliary Aids and Services Available Upon Request to Individuals With Disabilities 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 1 
 
 Introduction 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators, Monthly Report, is designed to provide in a single publication data on 
a number of indicators used to measure movement of the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area's economy. 
The indicators have been collected and disseminated for many years by private and governmental agencies, but not under a single cover. Contributing agencies include Georgia's Department of Labor, the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, F.W. Dodge, McGraw-Hill Information Group, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Cobb Community Transit System, Smith Travel Research and HSH Associates, Financial Publishers. 
All data in this report are seasonally adjusted except Average 30-Year, Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates, and Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate on Page 15, and those contained in the Metropolitan Atlanta Consumer Price Index chart on page 3. Data are presented in graphic and tabular form. Each series shows movement over a 24-month period. Where appropriate, companion graphs and tables show data that have been deflated by the U.S. Consumer Price Index or the U.S. Construction Price Index. The purpose is to adjust for inflation and show growth in constant dollars. 
The purpose of this publication is to serve the business and professional communities, economic developers, economists, educators and others who have need for information on Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area economic trends. Workforce Information and Analysis welcomes comments, suggestions or questions concerning Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators. Please address letters to Bill Webb, Workforce Information and Analysis, Georgia Department of Labor, 148 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 303031751. The telephone number is (404) 656-3177. 
Data Sources 
Nonagricultural Employment, Wholesale Employment, Retail Employment, Services Employment, Manufacturing Employment, Government Employment, Construction Employment, Transportation and Public Utilities Employment, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Employment, Business Services Employment, Health Services Employment, Social Services Employment, Manufacturing Workweek, Manufacturing Earnings, Unemployment Rate, Insured Unemployment Rate, Initial Unemployment Claims and Continued Unemployment Claims -- Georgia Department of Labor 
Consumer Price Index -- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adapted from commentary by Michael Wald 
Residential Construction and U.S. Construction Price Index -- U.S. Department of Commerce 
Nonresidential Construction -- F.W. Dodge, McGraw-Hill Construction Information Group 
MARTA Passengers -- Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit System 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers -- Cobb Community Transit System 
Hotel Occupancy and Room Rates -- Smith Travel Research, Hendersonville, TN 
Average 30-Year and Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates and Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate -- HSH Associates, Financial Publishers, Butler, NJ 
Airport Traffic Data -- Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Department of Aviation 
 
2 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Consumer Price Index for Atlanta 
 
YEAR 
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
 
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Rate 
 
61.7 66.9 76.4 87.2 92.8 97.9 102.6 107.0 111.7 
 
62.5 68.5 78.0 88.2 92.9 98.7 103.2 107.6 111.1 
 
63.6 70.5 80.3 89.3 96.5 100.2 104.1 108.8 112.2 115.5 
 
64.7 71.9 81.7 91.6 98.0 100.8 104.8 109.9 112.4 
 
65.9 73.2 83.0 93.3 98.8 100.9 105.4 110.4 112.7 
 
65.9 74.0 85.7 93.6 98.2 101.9 105.5 111.2 113.5 117.5 
 
7.7% 12.3% 15.8% 
9.2% 4.9% 3.8% 3.5% 5.4% 2.1% 3.5% 
 
119.1 124.9 130.8 135.5 138.6 
 
121.7 127.3 132.6 136.2 138.5 
 
3.6% 4.6% 4.2% 2.7% 1.7% 
 
159.5 
 
160.8 
 
142.2 146.7 150.3 154.7 158.3 162.0 
 
161.9 
 
162.0 
 
144.7 146.7 151.5 157.2 159.5 161.6 
 
4.5% 1.4% 3.3% 3.8% 1.5% 1.4% 
 
161.9 167.4 175.3 
 
164.0 169.8 176.6 
 
164.8 170.9 177.8 
 
165.9 172.1 176.9 
 
166.5 
 
167.0 3.3% 
 
171.9 
 
171.9 2.9% 
 
176.7 
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
 
Atlanta's CPI Continues to Decline 
 
The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Atlanta declined 0.1 percent over the two months ended in October, not seasonally adjusted, to a level of 176.7 (1982-84=100), as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. For the 12month period ended in October, the CPI-U for Atlanta increased 2.8 percent. 
Over the two months, the all items index reflected lower costs for housing, offsetting increases in apparel and transportation. After rising 3.4 percent over the first six months of the year, the all items index has declined 0.6 percent since June. Since December 2000, the index has increased 2.8 percent compared to a 2.9 percent increase for the comparable period in 2000. 
 
Among the special indexes compiled, energy costs declined 6.6 percent over the past two months due to a seasonal decrease in electricity costs. Excluding food and energy, the CPI-U for Atlanta has increased 0.3 percent since August 2001. 
Housing costs accelerated their decline, dropping 2.1 percent, as costs for both shelter and household fuels and utilities decreased over the two months. The decrease in the fuels and utilities index reflected a 19.6 percent drop in electricity costs. The lower electricity costs reflected seasonal factors with the index declining by a similar percentage each year after the summer months. Overall, housing costs in the Atlanta area have risen 3.0 percent since October 2000. 
The apparel index reversed its previous decline and increased 7.9 
 
percent in the two months ending in October. Despite the most recent increase, apparel costs in Atlanta have dropped 3.0 percent since October 2000. Transportation costs increased 1.2 percent over the two months. Over the two months, gasoline prices rose 1.5 percent reflecting a 9.0 percent increase for the month of September and a 6.9 percent decline during the month of October. Since October 2000, the transportation index has declined 0.1 percent. Other indexes reported include the medical care index that rose 0.8 percent after declining 0.4 percent in JulyAugust pricing period. With the most recent increase, consumers' costs for medical care in the Atlanta area now stand 4.6 percent higher than they were in October 2000. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 3 
 
 Metro Atlanta Index of Economic Indicators 
174.6 
Leading indicators Coincident indicators 
152.4 
 
130.1 
 
107.9 
 
85.7 
 
1987-88 = 100 
 
63.5 
 
94 
 
95 
 
96 
 
97 
 
98 
 
99 
 
00 
 
01 
 
Jobless Claims Data Pulls Leading Indicator Down 
 
The Georgia Department of Labor's Index of Leading Economic Indicators for the Atlanta metropolitan area decreased 1.5 percent, from a revised 151.3 in September to 149.1 in October, after seasonal adjustment. 
Initial and continued unemployment claims increased significantly during the month of October, pulling the leading index down. Residential construction inched upward 0.2 percent, after declining 8.0 percent in September. The value of non-residential construction increased 0.1 percent during the month of October, adding to September's gain of 10.2 percent. 
The Index of Coincident Indicators declined 1.5 percent in October, to a level of 133.7 from a revised 135.7 in September. Decelerated business activity continues to place downward pressure on job growth. 
 
Recent 12 Months 
Leading Coincident 
53.0 
46.2 
39.3 
32.5 1987-88 = 100 
25.6 N D J F MAM J J AS O 
The Leading Index reflects activity that will impact the economy for a duration of three to six months into the future. Coincident indicators measure current economic conditions. 
 
Nonagricultural employment declined for the fifth consecutive month, down 0.7 percent in October. All employment sectors declined during the month of October except for health services and finance, insurance & realty employment. Unemployment in the metro area increased to 3.9 percent, two-tenths of a percent higher than September's rate. The rapid deterioration in the labor market has placed enormous pressure on many households. In the manufacturing sector weekly earnings increased 4.4 percent and hours worked slipped 0.5 percent during the month. 
The events of September 11 have taken it's toll on the metro area by weakening the demand for air transportation, which impacted the convention and tourism industry. These sectors continue to shed employees as the economy struggles through a period of declining business activity. 
 
4 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Data Summary 
October 2001 Data 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicator 
 
Oct 2001 
 
Sep 2001 
 
Oct 2000 
 
Percent Change Sep 2001 
to Oct 2001 
 
Percent Change Oct 2000 
to Oct 2001 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2,187,250 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
183,581 
 
Retail Employment 
 
403,588 
 
Services Employment 
 
667,127 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
214,605 
 
Government Employment 
 
271,603 
 
Construction Employment 
 
110,907 
 
Transp. & Pub. Utilities Employment 
 
193,565 
 
Finance, Insurance & Realty Employment 
 
138,981 
 
Business Services Employment 
 
206,981 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
131,792 
 
Social Services Employment 
 
30,967 
 
Manufacturing Workweek 
 
38.8 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$559.84 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$315.05 
 
Initial Unemployment Claims 
 
19,157 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
185,761 
 
Total Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) 3.9% 
 
Insured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.72% 
 
MARTA Passengers 
 
5,982,000 
 
Cobb County Transit Passengers 
 
182,121 
 
Residential Construction (household units) 
 
4,790 
 
Nonresidential Construction (value) 
 
$351,160,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$197,614 
 
Hotel Occupancy 
 
57.2% 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$77.77 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rate 
 
$43.76 
 
Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.62% 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.15% 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate 
 
5.05% 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
2,203,500 184,838 405,813 672,717 216,917 272,986 112,796 195,858 138,976 209,321 131,706 31,404 39.0 $536.36 $300.82 12,396 130,577 3.7% 1.71% 
5,915,000 173,999 4,779 
$346,553,000 $194,365 51.7% $71.55 $40.13 6.82% 6.35% 5.38% 
 
2,214,096 178,964 399,385 686,496 222,052 268,992 119,390 194,161 141,470 236,141 126,997 30,485 39.8 $559.95 $321.81 7,531 71,422 2.9% 0.67% 
6,503,000 135,407 4,169 
$359,115,000 $206,388 64.7% $79.20 $45.52 7.81% 7.48% 7.14% 
 
-0.74 -0.68 -0.55 -0.83 -1.07 -0.51 -1.68 -1.17 0.00 -1.12 0.07 -1.39 -0.52 4.38 4.73 54.55 42.26 
1.13 4.67 0.22 1.33 1.67 8.68 9.05 - 
 
-1.21 2.58 1.05 -2.82 -3.35 0.97 -7.11 -0.31 -1.76 -12.35 3.78 1.58 -2.50 -0.02 -2.10 154.38 160.09 
-8.01 34.50 14.88 -2.22 -4.25 -1.81 -3.86 - 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 5 
 
 Nonagricultural Employment 
2.26 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
2.24 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 2.21 
 
Nov 
 
2,169,831 
 
2,217,730 
 
Dec 
 
2,181,076 
 
2,219,937 
 
Jan 
 
2,177,178 
 
2,229,649 
 
2.19 
 
Feb 
 
2,180,802 
 
2,223,747 
 
M ar 
 
2,189,717 
 
2,224,161 
 
Apr 
 
2,187,603 
 
2,232,955 
 
M ay 
 
2,196,843 
 
2,233,780 
 
2.16 
 
Jun 
 
2,203,692 
 
2,232,903 
 
Jul 
 
2,203,998 
 
2,218,291 
 
Aug 
 
2,207,756 
 
2,213,989 
 
Sep 
 
2,210,318 
 
2,203,500 
 
2.14 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
2,214,096 
 
2,187,250 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
191.0 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
186.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
182.3 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
178.0 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
173.6 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
169.3 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
173,981 174,925 175,967 176,547 177,023 177,091 177,469 177,948 178,901 178,573 179,126 178,964 
 
178,999 179,803 180,060 180,530 181,774 185,920 184,781 185,309 182,986 184,248 184,838 183,581 
 
Retail Employment 
 
423.4 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
414.1 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
404.8 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
395.6 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
386.3 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
377.0 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
392,593 396,156 388,590 390,012 392,847 393,161 394,837 395,986 396,628 395,827 394,649 399,385 
 
402,555 404,998 406,387 403,654 405,595 407,984 411,778 411,087 410,488 407,290 405,813 403,588 
 
6 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Services Employment 
 
712.1 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
699.9 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
687.6 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
667,258 
 
688,714 
 
Dec 
 
670,863 
 
684,848 
 
Jan 
 
680,244 
 
696,587 
 
675.3 
 
Feb 
 
680,489 
 
690,355 
 
M ar 
 
681,174 
 
688,743 
 
Apr 
 
678,175 
 
690,425 
 
M ay 
 
679,445 
 
688,247 
 
663.0 
 
Jun 
 
685,415 
 
684,696 
 
Jul 
 
685,642 
 
681,899 
 
Aug 
 
683,187 
 
677,929 
 
Sep 
 
685,468 
 
672,717 
 
650.7 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
686,496 
 
667,127 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
232.7 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
228.1 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
223.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
218.7 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
214.0 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
209.3 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
226,624 227,585 223,665 223,032 223,415 222,160 221,476 221,564 222,468 223,859 223,287 222,052 
 
221,192 221,188 217,659 219,125 219,237 219,049 219,279 218,476 217,784 216,092 216,917 214,605 
 
Government Employment 
 
280.4 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
275.1 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
269.9 
 
Nov 
 
261,642 
 
268,548 
 
Dec 
 
262,353 
 
269,478 
 
Jan 
 
261,483 
 
268,056 
 
264.6 
 
Feb 
 
263,084 
 
270,653 
 
M ar 
 
263,951 
 
270,687 
 
Apr 
 
265,024 
 
272,463 
 
M ay 
 
270,120 
 
273,977 
 
259.3 
 
Jun 
 
265,272 
 
272,274 
 
Jul 
 
260,779 
 
265,423 
 
Aug 
 
262,447 
 
271,444 
 
Sep 
 
267,327 
 
272,986 
 
254.0 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
268,992 
 
271,603 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 7 
 
 Construction Employment 
 
128.7 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
124.1 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
119.6 
 
Nov 
 
116,242 
 
119,024 
 
Dec 
 
115,945 
 
119,007 
 
Jan 
 
116,353 
 
122,963 
 
115.1 
 
Feb 
 
117,198 
 
121,916 
 
M ar 
 
119,330 
 
119,714 
 
Apr 
 
118,994 
 
118,571 
 
M ay 
 
119,517 
 
118,355 
 
110.6 
 
Jun 
 
120,611 
 
118,534 
 
Jul 
 
122,405 
 
120,301 
 
Aug 
 
123,257 
 
116,603 
 
Sep 
 
121,707 
 
112,796 
 
106.1 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
119,390 
 
110,907 
 
Transportation and Public Utilities Employment 
 
202.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
199.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
196.2 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
193.0 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
189.8 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
186.7 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
190,997 191,944 191,495 191,823 192,932 190,479 191,002 191,590 191,813 193,792 194,246 194,161 
 
194,987 195,665 196,061 197,930 198,164 197,014 197,337 198,223 197,014 197,820 195,858 193,565 
 
Finance, Insurance and Realty Employment 
 
145.4 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
143.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
141.6 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
138,577 
 
141,406 
 
Dec 
 
138,523 
 
142,389 
 
139.7 
 
Jan 
 
138,348 
 
141,110 
 
Feb 
 
138,191 
 
140,125 
 
M ar 
 
138,065 
 
139,794 
 
Apr 
 
141,521 
 
140,346 
 
137.8 
 
M ay Jun Jul 
 
141,935 142,025 142,776 
 
140,052 140,649 139,697 
 
Aug 
 
142,828 
 
139,346 
 
Sep 
 
142,353 
 
138,976 
 
135.9 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
141,470 
 
138,981 
 
8 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Business Services Employment 
 
249.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
238.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
227.6 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
229,291 
 
234,311 
 
Dec 
 
229,053 
 
232,054 
 
Jan 
 
237,852 
 
237,880 
 
216.7 
 
Feb 
 
236,712 
 
230,679 
 
M ar 
 
235,287 
 
227,689 
 
Apr 
 
230,304 
 
226,107 
 
M ay 
 
234,044 
 
222,922 
 
205.9 
 
Jun 
 
235,722 
 
218,957 
 
Jul 
 
236,804 
 
216,496 
 
Aug 
 
236,422 
 
211,822 
 
Sep 
 
236,526 
 
209,321 
 
195.0 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
236,141 
 
206,981 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
136.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
133.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
130.4 
 
Nov 
 
125,130 
 
128,272 
 
Dec 
 
125,796 
 
127,609 
 
Jan 
 
125,467 
 
129,051 
 
127.3 
 
Feb 
 
125,263 
 
129,412 
 
M ar 
 
125,433 
 
129,375 
 
Apr 
 
125,595 
 
129,080 
 
M ay 
 
125,013 
 
128,878 
 
124.3 
 
Jun 
 
125,540 
 
130,191 
 
Jul 
 
126,357 
 
132,720 
 
Aug 
 
126,468 
 
132,540 
 
Sep 
 
127,386 
 
131,706 
 
121.3 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
126,997 
 
131,792 
 
Social Services Employment 
33.2 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
Monthly Data 
 
32.2 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
31.2 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
30.2 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
29.2 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
30,528 30,727 31,018 31,167 31,473 30,567 30,671 30,567 30,492 30,625 30,500 30,485 
 
30,524 30,448 30,436 30,986 30,683 31,074 30,859 30,764 31,425 31,854 31,404 30,967 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 9 
 
 Manufacturing Workweek 
 
43.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
HOURS 
 
Monthly Data 
 
41.6 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
40.0 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
38.3 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
36.7 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
40.6 
 
39.0 
 
40.3 
 
38.7 
 
40.5 
 
39.2 
 
40.2 
 
39.0 
 
40.5 
 
38.9 
 
41.4 
 
38.6 
 
40.0 
 
39.7 
 
40.1 
 
40.2 
 
39.6 
 
38.6 
 
39.9 
 
39.9 
 
38.7 
 
39.0 
 
39.8 
 
38.8 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$603 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$585 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$568 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
$550.92 
 
$553.62 
 
Dec 
 
554.69 
 
553.32 
 
Jan 
 
551.00 
 
552.94 
 
$550 
 
Feb 
 
544.27 
 
555.30 
 
M ar 
 
553.14 
 
553.29 
 
Apr 
 
571.94 
 
548.99 
 
M ay 
 
543.21 
 
569.47 
 
$533 
 
Jun 
 
548.05 
 
583.48 
 
Jul 
 
541.56 
 
558.69 
 
Aug 
 
551.20 
 
567.50 
 
Sep 
 
539.19 
 
536.36 
 
$515 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
559.95 
 
559.84 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$348 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$336 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$324 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
$327.34 
 
$317.99 
 
Dec 
 
329.59 
 
318.00 
 
Jan 
 
326.42 
 
315.79 
 
$312 
 
Feb 
 
320.54 
 
315.87 
 
M ar 
 
323.09 
 
314.01 
 
Apr 
 
333.88 
 
310.34 
 
M ay 
 
316.74 
 
320.46 
 
$300 
 
Jun 
 
317.16 
 
327.80 
 
Jul 
 
313.40 
 
314.75 
 
Aug 
 
319.35 
 
319.72 
 
Sep 
 
310.41 
 
300.82 
 
$288 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
321.81 
 
315.05 
 
10 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Initial Unemployment Claims 
24.1 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
19.6 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
15.1 
 
Nov 
 
6,283 
 
7,694 
 
Dec 
 
6,349 
 
8,018 
 
Jan 
 
7,041 
 
11,771 
 
10.6 
 
Feb 
 
7,361 
 
10,389 
 
M ar 
 
6,019 
 
10,071 
 
Apr 
 
5,755 
 
11,221 
 
M ay 
 
6,848 
 
12,049 
 
6.0 
 
Jun 
 
7,454 
 
10,804 
 
Jul 
 
6,851 
 
11,858 
 
Aug 
 
8,054 
 
12,786 
 
Sep 
 
7,050 
 
12,396 
 
1.5 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
7,531 
 
19,157 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
237.5 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
190.2 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
142.9 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
62,161 
 
60,067 
 
Dec 
 
52,107 
 
63,229 
 
Jan 
 
64,099 
 
84,799 
 
95.6 
 
Feb 
 
55,856 
 
79,998 
 
M ar 
 
51,222 
 
76,174 
 
Apr 
 
54,121 
 
112,110 
 
M ay 
 
64,530 
 
102,500 
 
48.3 
 
Jun 
 
51,960 
 
100,899 
 
Jul 
 
60,800 
 
123,380 
 
Aug 
 
60,917 
 
125,602 
 
Sep 
 
59,395 
 
130,577 
 
1.0 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
71,422 
 
185,761 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
4.5 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
4.0 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
3.4 
 
Nov 
 
2.7 % 
 
2.5 % 
 
Dec 
 
2.6 
 
2.4 
 
Jan 
 
2.8 
 
2.7 
 
2.9 
 
Feb 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Mar 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Apr 
 
2.8 
 
2.9 
 
May 
 
3.0 
 
3.0 
 
2.3 
 
Jun 
 
3.6 
 
3.5 
 
Jul 
 
3.3 
 
3.4 
 
Aug 
 
3.1 
 
3.5 
 
Sep 
 
3.1 
 
3.7 
 
1.8 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
2.9 
 
3.9 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 11 
 
 iInsured Unemployment Rate 
 
2.21 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
1.79 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 1.38 
 
Nov 
 
0.63 % 
 
0.69 % 
 
Dec 
 
0.64 
 
0.77 
 
Jan 
 
0.70 
 
0.83 
 
0.96 
 
Feb 
 
0.64 
 
0.86 
 
M ar 
 
0.63 
 
0.92 
 
Apr 
 
0.63 
 
1.03 
 
M ay 
 
0.64 
 
1.14 
 
0.55 
 
Jun 
 
0.65 
 
1.24 
 
Jul 
 
0.66 
 
1.34 
 
Aug 
 
0.69 
 
1.46 
 
Sep 
 
0.69 
 
1.71 
 
0.13 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
0.67 
 
1.72 
 
MMARTA Passengers 
 
7.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
7.2 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.6 
 
Nov 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,459,000 
 
Dec 
 
6,542,000 
 
6,194,000 
 
Jan 
 
6,476,000 
 
6,799,000 
 
6.0 
 
Feb 
 
6,589,000 
 
6,221,000 
 
M ar 
 
6,703,000 
 
6,433,000 
 
Apr 
 
6,263,000 
 
6,284,000 
 
M ay 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,578,000 
 
5.4 
 
Jun 
 
7,068,000 
 
6,539,000 
 
Jul 
 
5,995,000 
 
5,457,000 
 
Aug 
 
6,648,000 
 
6,168,000 
 
Sep 
 
6,490,000 
 
5,915,000 
 
Oct 4.8 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
6,503,000 
 
5,982,000 
 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers 
 
249.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
205.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
161.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
120,472 
 
135,877 
 
Dec 
 
140,513 
 
124,577 
 
Jan 
 
89,020 
 
137,730 
 
117.2 
 
Feb 
 
136,507 
 
129,505 
 
M ar 
 
140,823 
 
176,786 
 
Apr 
 
174,709 
 
149,578 
 
M ay 
 
196,736 
 
170,072 
 
73.1 
 
Jun 
 
126,596 
 
179,771 
 
Jul 
 
126,250 
 
175,748 
 
Aug 
 
137,760 
 
191,556 
 
Sep 
 
132,960 
 
173,999 
 
29.0 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
135,407 
 
182,121 
 
12 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Residential Construction 
7.5 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.6 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
HOUSEHOLD UNITS ( THOUSANDS ) 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
5.7 
 
Nov 
 
6,242 
 
5,153 
 
Dec 
 
4,618 
 
4,569 
 
Jan 
 
5,639 
 
6,236 
 
4.8 
 
Feb 
 
5,305 
 
6,386 
 
M ar 
 
5,801 
 
5,197 
 
Apr 
 
6,037 
 
5,355 
 
M ay 
 
5,789 
 
5,884 
 
3.9 
 
Jun 
 
5,453 
 
6,482 
 
Jul 
 
5,416 
 
5,487 
 
Aug 
 
5,074 
 
5,196 
 
Sep 
 
4,936 
 
4,779 
 
3.1 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
4,169 
 
4,790 
 
Nonresidential Construction 
 
$710 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$592 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$474 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
$272,326,000 $253,203,000 
 
Dec 
 
448,218,000 
 
313,388,000 
 
Jan 
 
306,194,000 
 
348,961,000 
 
$356 
 
Feb 
 
249,729,000 
 
329,048,000 
 
M ar 
 
341,706,000 
 
309,722,000 
 
Apr 
 
559,751,000 
 
457,811,000 
 
M ay 
 
368,432,000 
 
295,318,000 
 
$238 
 
Jun 
 
546,766,000 
 
290,681,000 
 
Jul 
 
277,576,000 
 
386,935,000 
 
Aug 
 
270,611,000 
 
314,383,000 
 
Sep 
 
411,800,000 
 
346,553,000 
 
$120 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
359,115,000 
 
351,160,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$410 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$341 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$271 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
$161,810,000 $145,435,000 
 
Dec 
 
266,321,000 
 
180,108,000 
 
Jan 
 
181,395,000 
 
199,292,000 
 
$202 
 
Feb 
 
147,072,000 
 
187,172,000 
 
M ar 
 
199,595,000 
 
175,779,000 
 
Apr 
 
326,766,000 
 
258,796,000 
 
M ay 
 
214,829,000 
 
166,189,000 
 
$132 
 
Jun 
 
316,416,000 
 
163,304,000 
 
Jul 
 
160,634,000 
 
217,992,000 
 
Aug 
 
156,785,000 
 
177,117,000 
 
Sep 
 
237,075,000 
 
194,365,000 
 
$63 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
206,388,000 
 
197,614,000 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 13 
 
 Hotel Occupancy 
76.4 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
69.9 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
63.3 
 
Nov 
 
65.84 % 
 
65.64 % 
 
Dec 
 
60.08 
 
61.87 
 
Jan 
 
66.59 
 
65.81 
 
56.7 
 
Feb 
 
65.04 
 
64.80 
 
M ar 
 
64.95 
 
67.35 
 
Apr 
 
63.05 
 
62.14 
 
M ay 
 
64.49 
 
63.76 
 
50.2 
 
Jun 
 
67.51 
 
64.97 
 
Jul 
 
68.05 
 
60.79 
 
Aug 
 
67.15 
 
63.85 
 
Sep 
 
67.87 
 
51.74 
 
43.6 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
64.71 
 
57.20 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
$98 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$91 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $85 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
$78 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
$71 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
$64 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
$81.39 76.65 90.00 78.99 79.76 81.68 77.80 79.44 78.54 79.40 81.58 79.20 
 
$79.02 76.69 83.74 81.77 81.08 78.26 81.32 82.01 75.20 80.45 71.55 77.77 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rates 
$58 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$54 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
DOLLARS 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $49 
 
Nov 
 
$48.36 
 
$45.39 
 
Dec 
 
45.54 
 
44.07 
 
Jan 
 
53.32 
 
47.82 
 
$45 
 
Feb 
 
46.52 
 
46.51 
 
M ar 
 
46.59 
 
46.02 
 
Apr 
 
47.68 
 
44.24 
 
M ay 
 
45.37 
 
45.76 
 
$40 
 
Jun 
 
45.97 
 
46.07 
 
Jul 
 
45.45 
 
42.36 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
$35 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
46.00 46.96 45.52 
 
45.32 40.13 43.76 
 
14 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.38 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
8.68 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.98 
 
7.27 
 
6.57 
 
5.87 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.10 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
* Does not include points 
 
1999-2000 
7.72 % 8.04 8.19 8.37 8.28 8.12 8.55 8.26 8.16 8.04 7.95 7.81 
 
2000-2001 
7.79 % 7.45 7.17 7.13 7.02 7.11 7.22 7.22 7.18 7.01 6.82 6.62 
 
8.33 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.57 
 
6.80 
 
6.04 
 
5.27 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate* 
 
8.29 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Nov 
 
7.35 % 
 
7.45 % 
 
Dec 
 
7.65 
 
7.09 
 
Jan 
 
7.78 
 
6.74 
 
Feb 
 
7.96 
 
6.73 
 
M ar 
 
7.87 
 
6.59 
 
Apr 
 
7.78 
 
6.62 
 
M ay 
 
8.27 
 
6.70 
 
Jun 
 
8.01 
 
6.77 
 
Jul 
 
7.87 
 
6.73 
 
Aug 
 
7.78 
 
6.53 
 
Sep 
 
7.63 
 
6.35 
 
Oct 
 
7.48 
 
6.15 
 
7.46 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.64 
 
Nov 
 
6.30 % 
 
7.06 % 
 
Dec 
 
6.51 
 
6.92 
 
Jan 
 
6.72 
 
6.50 
 
5.81 
 
Feb 
 
6.93 
 
6.22 
 
M ar 
 
6.90 
 
6.00 
 
Apr 
 
6.82 
 
5.83 
 
M ay 
 
7.09 
 
5.79 
 
4.99 
 
Jun 
 
7.22 
 
5.71 
 
Jul 
 
7.26 
 
5.67 
 
Aug 
 
7.35 
 
5.57 
 
Sep 
 
7.34 
 
5.38 
 
4.16 
 
Oct 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
7.14 
 
5.05 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / December 2001 15 
 
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