AT L A N TA 
 
METROPOLITAN 
Economic 
 
Indicators 
 
A Monthly Report of Atlanta Labor Market and Economic Trends 
 
)KCKIJ  
 
Volume 4, Issue 6 
 
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 6 August 2001 
 
June 2001 Data 
Cover art: Hardin Family Farmhouse, Prehistoric Soapstone Quarry, Dekalb County, GA 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 / August 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 / August 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 
 
166.5 171.9 
 
167.0 3.3% 171.9 2.9% 
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
 
Atlanta's CPI increases 0.7 percent 
 
The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Atlanta increased 0.7 percent over the two months ended in June, not seasonally adjusted, to a level of 177.8 (198284=100), as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. For the 12-month period ended in June, the CPI-U for Atlanta increased 3.8 percent. 
Over the two months, the all items index reflected higher costs for housing and transportation, offsetting lower costs for apparel and recreation. The two-month increase was the same percentage increase recorded in the March-April period and similar to the 0.8 percent increase recorded in the May-June 2000 pricing period. Over the first six months of this year, the index has risen 3.4 percent compared to a 2.6 percent increase for the same period last year. 
 
Following is the formula for figur- 
 
ing Consumer Price Index changes 
 
from one point in time to another. 
 
Index point change 
 
CPI 
 
112.5 
 
Less previous index 
 
108.5 
 
Equals index point change 
 
4.0 
 
Percentage change 
 
Index point difference 
 
4.0 
 
Divide by the previous index 108.5 
 
Equals 
 
0.037 
 
Results multiplied by 100 0.037x100 
 
Equals percent change 
 
3.7% 
 
Among the special indexes compiled, energy costs reversed their previous two-month decline and advanced 10.1 percent as seasonal increases in electricity costs and higher gasoline costs offset lower costs for utility 
 
natural gas service. Excluding food and energy, the CPI-U for Atlanta has declined 0.1 percent since April 2001. 
Housing costs advanced 1.9 percent during May and June, reflecting seasonal increases in shelter and electricity costs. Shelter costs rose 0.5 percent, approximately the average increase recorded for this index each June over the past three years. The fuels and utilities index rose 10.5 percent, which was less than its average at this time of year. 
Transportation costs rose 1.4 percent over two months due to higher gasoline costs. The gasoline index increased 6.6 percent as lower costs in May were more than offset by higher gasoline costs in June. Despite the most recent increases, gasoline prices have decreased 0.6 percent over the past year, compared to a 48.0 percent rise recorded for the 12 months ending in June 2000. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 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 
 
Atlanta's Leading Economic Indicator moves higher 
 
The Georgia Department of Labor's Index of Leading Economic Indicators for the Atlanta metropolitan area increased 1.2 percent in June, rising from a revised 149.4 in May to 151.3 in June, after seasonal adjustment. This is the third consecutive monthly advance for the leading indicator this year. 
The largest contributor to the leading indicator was residential construction, which increased 10.1 percent to 6,482 household units from 5,884 the previous month. The value of nonresidential construction declined 1.57 percent, after posting a double digit decrease the previous month. Initial unemployment claims dropped 10.3 percent in June, after reaching a two year high in May. Manufacturing displayed some improvement as hours worked and weekly earnings increased 0.7 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. 
 
Recent 12 Months 
154.9 
Leading , Coincident 
151.4 
 
148.0 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
144.5 
 
, 
 
, 
 
141.1 
 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
, 
 
1987-88 = 100 
 
137.6 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
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. 
 
The Index of Coincident Indicators declined 0.3 percent during the month of June, to a level of 141.7 from a revised 142.2, after seasonal adjustment. 
Nonagricultural employment increased 0.2 percent in June, after contracting 0.05 in May. The employment sector was led by health services, which increased 1.02 percent during the month. Manufacturing employment declined 0.32 percent, down 1.35 percent from June's 2000 level. Retail employment decelerated 0.17 percent, after increasing 0.54 in May. Unemployment for the Atlanta metropolitan area increased five-tenths of a percent during the month of June, which was one-tenth of a percent below June's 2000 rate. 
Continued growth in the residential construction sector, lower interest rates and tax rebates should add some needed growth to the economy during the second half of the year. 
 
4 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Data Summary 
June 2001 Data 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators 
 
June 2001 May 2001 
 
June 2000 
 
Percent Percent Change Change 
 
May 2001 June 2000 
 
to 
 
to 
 
June 2001 June 2001 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2,237,894 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
184,612 
 
Retail Employment 
 
411,087 
 
Services Employment 
 
692,639 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
218,575 
 
Government Employment 
 
270,666 
 
Construction Employment 
 
118,139 
 
Transp. & Pub. Utilities Employment 
 
197,823 
 
Finance, Insurance & Realty Employment 
 
140,649 
 
Business Services Employment 
 
222,041 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
130,191 
 
Social Services Employment 
 
31,062 
 
Manufacturing Workweek 
 
40.0 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$578.16 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$324.81 
 
Initial Unemployment Claims 
 
10,804 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
100,899 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
 
3.5% 
 
Insured Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) 1.24% 
 
MARTA Passengers 
 
6,539,000 
 
Cobb County Transit Passengers 
 
179,771 
 
Residential Construction (household units) 
 
6,482 
 
Nonresidential Construction (value) 
 
$290,681,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$163,304 
 
Hotel Occupancy 
 
65.0% 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$82.01 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rate 
 
$46.07 
 
Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
7.22% 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.77% 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate 
 
5.71% 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
2,233,780 184,781 411,778 688,247 219,279 273,977 118,355 197,337 140,052 222,922 128,878 30,859 39.7 $569.47 $320.46 12,049 102,500 3.0% 1.14% 
6,578,000 170,072 5,884 
$295,318,000 $166,189 63.8% $81.32 $45.76 7.22% 6.70% 5.79% 
 
2,203,692 177,948 395,986 685,415 221,564 265,272 120,611 191,590 142,025 235,722 125,540 30,567 40.1 $548.05 $317.16 7,454 51,960 3.6% 0.65% 
7,068,000 126,596 5,453 
$546,766,000 $316,416 67.5% $79.44 $45.97 8.26% 8.01% 7.22% 
 
0.18 -0.09 -0.17 0.64 -0.32 -1.21 -0.18 0.25 0.43 -0.39 1.02 0.66 0.67 1.53 1.36 -10.33 -1.56 
-0.59 5.70 10.16 -1.57 -1.74 0.84 0.67 - 
 
1.55 3.74 3.81 1.05 -1.35 2.03 -2.05 3.25 -0.97 -5.80 3.70 1.62 -0.26 5.50 2.41 44.94 94.18 
-7.48 42.00 18.88 -46.84 -48.39 3.23 0.21 - 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 5 
 
 Nonagricultural Employment 
2.28 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
2.24 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 2.20 
 
Jul 
 
2,135,433 
 
2,203,998 
 
Aug 
 
2,150,307 
 
2,207,756 
 
Sep 
 
2,161,010 
 
2,210,318 
 
2.17 
 
Oct 
 
2,165,110 
 
2,214,096 
 
Nov 
 
2,169,831 
 
2,217,730 
 
Dec 
 
2,181,076 
 
2,219,937 
 
Jan 
 
2,177,178 
 
2,229,649 
 
2.13 
 
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 
 
2.09 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
2,203,692 
 
2,237,894 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
191.0 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
186.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
182.3 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
178.0 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
173.6 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
169.3 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
174,224 174,799 174,397 174,325 173,981 174,925 175,967 176,547 177,023 177,091 177,469 177,948 
 
178,901 178,573 179,126 178,964 178,999 179,803 180,060 180,530 181,774 185,920 184,781 184,612 
 
Retail Employment 
 
423.4 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
412.9 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
402.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
391.9 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
381.4 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
370.9 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
383,563 385,740 386,061 389,581 392,593 396,156 388,590 390,012 392,847 393,161 394,837 395,986 
 
396,628 395,827 394,649 399,385 402,555 404,998 406,387 403,654 405,595 407,984 411,778 411,087 
 
6 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Services Employment 
 
717.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
700.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
683.5 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
653,275 
 
685,642 
 
Aug 
 
658,211 
 
683,187 
 
Sep 
 
662,947 
 
685,468 
 
666.4 
 
Oct 
 
665,046 
 
686,496 
 
Nov 
 
667,258 
 
688,714 
 
Dec 
 
670,863 
 
684,848 
 
Jan 
 
680,244 
 
696,587 
 
649.3 
 
Feb 
 
680,489 
 
690,355 
 
M ar 
 
681,174 
 
688,743 
 
Apr 
 
678,175 
 
690,425 
 
M ay 
 
679,445 
 
688,247 
 
632.2 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
685,415 
 
692,639 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
232.7 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
228.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
224.7 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
220.7 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
216.7 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
212.7 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
227,609 226,817 227,338 226,472 226,624 227,585 223,665 223,032 223,415 222,160 221,476 221,564 
 
222,468 223,859 223,287 222,052 221,192 221,188 217,659 219,125 219,237 219,049 219,279 218,575 
 
Government Employment 
 
281.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
274.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
267.8 
 
Jul 
 
255,290 
 
260,779 
 
Aug 
 
257,531 
 
262,447 
 
Sep 
 
264,267 
 
267,327 
 
260.9 
 
Oct 
 
262,179 
 
268,992 
 
Nov 
 
261,642 
 
268,548 
 
Dec 
 
262,353 
 
269,478 
 
Jan 
 
261,483 
 
268,056 
 
254.0 
 
Feb 
 
263,084 
 
270,653 
 
M ar 
 
263,951 
 
270,687 
 
Apr 
 
265,024 
 
272,463 
 
M ay 
 
270,120 
 
273,977 
 
247.2 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
265,272 
 
270,666 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 7 
 
 Construction Employment 
 
127.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
124.1 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
120.8 
 
117.4 
 
114.1 
 
110.7 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
Transportation and Public Utilities Employment 
 
203.2 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
A 
 
M 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay June 
J 
 
1999-2000 
114,755 115,957 116,373 115,689 116,242 115,945 116,353 117,198 119,330 118,994 119,517 120,611 
 
2000-2001 
122,405 123,257 121,707 119,390 119,024 119,007 122,963 121,916 119,714 118,571 118,355 118,139 
 
198.8 
 
194.4 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
190.0 
 
185.5 
 
181.1 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
Finance, Insurance and Realty Employment 
 
145.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
A 
 
M 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay June 
J 
 
186,698 189,145 189,029 190,166 190,997 191,944 191,495 191,823 192,932 190,479 191,002 191,590 
 
2000-2001 
191,813 193,792 194,246 194,161 194,987 195,665 196,061 197,930 198,164 197,014 197,337 197,823 
 
143.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
141.2 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
137,477 
 
142,776 
 
Aug 
 
138,130 
 
142,828 
 
139.1 
 
Sep 
 
137,910 
 
142,353 
 
Oct 
 
138,142 
 
141,470 
 
Nov 
 
138,577 
 
141,406 
 
Dec 
 
138,523 
 
142,389 
 
137.1 
 
Jan 
 
138,348 
 
141,110 
 
Feb 
 
138,191 
 
140,125 
 
M ar 
 
138,065 
 
139,794 
 
Apr M ay 
 
141,521 141,935 
 
140,346 140,052 
 
135.0 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
142,025 
 
140,649 
 
8 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Business Services Employment 
 
245.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
239.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
233.0 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
221,322 
 
236,804 
 
Aug 
 
223,226 
 
236,422 
 
Sep 
 
225,776 
 
236,526 
 
226.8 
 
Oct 
 
227,358 
 
236,141 
 
Nov 
 
229,291 
 
234,311 
 
Dec 
 
229,053 
 
232,054 
 
Jan 
 
237,852 
 
237,880 
 
220.5 
 
Feb 
 
236,712 
 
230,679 
 
M ar 
 
235,287 
 
227,689 
 
Apr 
 
230,304 
 
226,107 
 
M ay 
 
234,044 
 
222,922 
 
214.2 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
235,722 
 
222,041 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
133.1 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
130.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
128.1 
 
Jul 
 
123,693 
 
126,357 
 
Aug 
 
124,488 
 
126,468 
 
Sep 
 
124,929 
 
127,386 
 
125.6 
 
Oct 
 
124,484 
 
126,997 
 
Nov 
 
125,130 
 
128,272 
 
Dec 
 
125,796 
 
127,609 
 
Jan 
 
125,467 
 
129,051 
 
123.1 
 
Feb 
 
125,263 
 
129,412 
 
M ar 
 
125,433 
 
129,375 
 
Apr 
 
125,595 
 
129,080 
 
M ay 
 
125,013 
 
128,878 
 
120.6 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
125,540 
 
130,191 
 
Social Services Employment 
32.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
31.8 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 30.8 
 
Jul 
 
29,446 
 
30,492 
 
Aug 
 
29,694 
 
30,625 
 
Sep 
 
29,494 
 
30,500 
 
29.8 
 
Oct 
 
30,310 
 
30,485 
 
Nov 
 
30,528 
 
30,524 
 
Dec 
 
30,727 
 
30,448 
 
Jan 
 
31,018 
 
30,436 
 
28.8 
 
Feb 
 
31,167 
 
30,986 
 
M ar 
 
31,473 
 
30,683 
 
Apr 
 
30,567 
 
31,074 
 
M ay 
 
30,671 
 
30,859 
 
27.8 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
30,567 
 
31,062 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators /August 2001 
 
9 
 
 Manufacturing Workweek 
 
42.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
HOURS 
 
41.5 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
40.5 
 
Jul 
 
41.2 
 
39.6 
 
Aug 
 
40.7 
 
39.9 
 
Sep 
 
40.9 
 
38.7 
 
39.5 
 
Oct 
 
40.1 
 
39.8 
 
Nov 
 
40.6 
 
39.0 
 
Dec 
 
40.3 
 
38.7 
 
Jan 
 
40.5 
 
39.2 
 
38.5 
 
Feb 
 
40.2 
 
39.0 
 
M ar 
 
40.5 
 
38.9 
 
Apr 
 
41.4 
 
38.6 
 
M ay 
 
40.0 
 
39.7 
 
37.5 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
40.1 
 
40.0 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$596 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$580 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$564 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
$546.64 
 
$541.56 
 
Aug 
 
540.36 
 
551.20 
 
Sep 
 
556.24 
 
539.19 
 
$548 
 
Oct 
 
534.23 
 
559.95 
 
Nov 
 
550.92 
 
553.62 
 
Dec 
 
554.69 
 
553.32 
 
Jan 
 
551.00 
 
552.94 
 
$531 
 
Feb 
 
544.27 
 
555.30 
 
M ar 
 
553.14 
 
553.29 
 
Apr 
 
571.94 
 
548.99 
 
M ay 
 
543.21 
 
569.47 
 
$515 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
548.05 
 
578.16 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$345 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$336 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$327 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
$327.92 
 
$313.40 
 
Aug 
 
323.38 
 
319.35 
 
Sep 
 
331.29 
 
310.41 
 
$317 
 
Oct 
 
317.61 
 
321.81 
 
Nov 
 
327.34 
 
317.99 
 
Dec 
 
329.59 
 
318.00 
 
Jan 
 
326.42 
 
315.79 
 
$308 
 
Feb 
 
320.54 
 
315.87 
 
M ar 
 
323.09 
 
314.01 
 
Apr 
 
333.88 
 
310.34 
 
M ay 
 
316.74 
 
320.46 
 
$299 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
317.16 
 
324.81 
 
10 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Initial Unemployment Claims 
15.0 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
12.7 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
10.3 
 
Jul 
 
6,879 
 
6,851 
 
Aug 
 
6,383 
 
8,054 
 
Sep 
 
6,245 
 
7,050 
 
7.9 
 
Oct 
 
6,372 
 
7,531 
 
Nov 
 
6,283 
 
7,694 
 
Dec 
 
6,349 
 
8,018 
 
Jan 
 
7,041 
 
11,771 
 
5.5 
 
Feb 
 
7,361 
 
10,389 
 
M ar 
 
6,019 
 
10,071 
 
Apr 
 
5,755 
 
11,221 
 
M ay 
 
6,848 
 
12,049 
 
3.2 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
7,454 
 
10,804 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
140.2 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
115.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 91.1 
 
Jul 
 
46,519 
 
60,800 
 
Aug 
 
63,232 
 
60,917 
 
Sep 
 
51,275 
 
59,395 
 
66.6 
 
Oct 
 
51,991 
 
71,422 
 
Nov 
 
62,161 
 
60,067 
 
Dec 
 
52,107 
 
63,229 
 
Jan 
 
64,099 
 
84,799 
 
42.0 
 
Feb 
 
55,856 
 
79,998 
 
M ar 
 
51,222 
 
76,174 
 
Apr 
 
54,121 
 
112,110 
 
M ay 
 
64,530 
 
102,500 
 
17.5 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
51,960 
 
100,899 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
4.1 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
3.7 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
3.2 
 
Jul 
 
3.5 % 
 
3.3 % 
 
Aug 
 
3.2 
 
3.1 
 
Sep 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
2.8 
 
Oct 
 
3.1 
 
2.9 
 
Nov 
 
2.7 
 
2.5 
 
Dec 
 
2.6 
 
2.4 
 
Jan 
 
2.8 
 
2.7 
 
2.3 
 
Feb 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Mar 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Apr 
 
2.8 
 
2.9 
 
May 
 
3.0 
 
3.0 
 
1.9 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
3.6 
 
3.5 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 11 
 
 iInsured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.49 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
1.27 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 1.05 
 
Jul 
 
0.63 % 
 
0.66 % 
 
Aug 
 
0.64 
 
0.69 
 
Sep 
 
0.63 
 
0.69 
 
0.83 
 
Oct 
 
0.64 
 
0.67 
 
Nov 
 
0.63 
 
0.69 
 
Dec 
 
0.64 
 
0.77 
 
Jan 
 
0.70 
 
0.83 
 
0.61 
 
Feb 
 
0.64 
 
0.86 
 
M ar 
 
0.63 
 
0.92 
 
Apr 
 
0.63 
 
1.03 
 
M ay 
 
0.64 
 
1.14 
 
0.39 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
0.65 
 
1.24 
 
MMARTA Passengers 
 
7.5 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
7.1 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 6.7 
 
Jul 
 
6,125,000 
 
5,995,000 
 
Aug 
 
6,270,000 
 
6,648,000 
 
Sep 
 
6,414,000 
 
6,490,000 
 
6.3 
 
Oct 
 
6,419,000 
 
6,503,000 
 
Nov 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,459,000 
 
Dec 
 
6,542,000 
 
6,194,000 
 
Jan 
 
6,476,000 
 
6,799,000 
 
5.9 
 
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 
 
5.5 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
7,068,000 
 
6,539,000 
 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers 
 
249.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
205.5 
 
161.4 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
117.2 
 
73.1 
 
29.0 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
12 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay June 
J 
 
118,552 141,427 135,838 126,490 120,472 140,513 
89,020 136,507 140,823 174,709 196,736 126,596 
 
126,250 137,760 132,960 135,407 135,877 124,577 137,730 129,505 176,786 149,578 170,072 179,771 
 
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 
 
Jul 
 
4,991 
 
5,416 
 
Aug 
 
4,812 
 
5,074 
 
Sep 
 
4,391 
 
4,936 
 
4.8 
 
Oct 
 
4,243 
 
4,169 
 
Nov 
 
6,242 
 
5,153 
 
Dec 
 
4,618 
 
4,569 
 
Jan 
 
5,639 
 
6,236 
 
3.9 
 
Feb 
 
5,305 
 
6,386 
 
M ar 
 
5,801 
 
5,197 
 
Apr 
 
6,037 
 
5,355 
 
M ay 
 
5,789 
 
5,884 
 
3.1 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
5,453 
 
6,482 
 
Nonresidential Construction 
 
$710 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$592 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$474 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
$370,283,000 $277,576,000 
 
Aug 
 
405,393,000 
 
270,611,000 
 
Sep 
 
282,640,000 
 
411,800,000 
 
$356 
 
Oct 
 
262,985,000 
 
359,115,000 
 
Nov 
 
272,326,000 
 
253,203,000 
 
Dec 
 
448,218,000 
 
313,388,000 
 
Jan 
 
306,194,000 
 
348,961,000 
 
$238 
 
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 
 
$120 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
546,766,000 
 
290,681,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$410 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$341 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$271 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
$222,125,000 $160,634,000 
 
Aug 
 
242,605,000 
 
156,785,000 
 
Sep 
 
168,338,000 
 
237,075,000 
 
$202 
 
Oct 
 
156,353,000 
 
206,388,000 
 
Nov 
 
161,810,000 
 
145,435,000 
 
Dec 
 
266,321,000 
 
180,108,000 
 
Jan 
 
181,395,000 
 
199,292,000 
 
$132 
 
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 
 
$63 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
316,416,000 
 
163,304,000 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 13 
 
 Hotel Occupancy 
71.4 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
68.5 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
65.5 
 
Jul 
 
67.14 % 
 
68.05 % 
 
Aug 
 
64.31 
 
67.15 
 
Sep 
 
67.10 
 
67.87 
 
62.6 
 
Oct 
 
67.27 
 
64.71 
 
Nov 
 
65.84 
 
65.64 
 
Dec 
 
60.08 
 
61.87 
 
Jan 
 
66.59 
 
65.81 
 
59.7 
 
Feb 
 
65.04 
 
64.80 
 
M ar 
 
64.95 
 
67.35 
 
Apr 
 
63.05 
 
62.14 
 
M ay 
 
64.49 
 
63.76 
 
56.7 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
67.51 
 
64.97 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
$97 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$91 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $85 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
$80 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
$74 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
$68 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
$74.87 78.25 78.97 80.49 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 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rates 
$58 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$54 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
DOLLARS 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $50 
 
Jul 
 
$44.91 
 
$45.45 
 
Aug 
 
46.83 
 
46.00 
 
Sep 
 
47.03 
 
46.96 
 
$47 
 
Oct 
 
47.85 
 
45.52 
 
Nov 
 
48.36 
 
45.39 
 
Dec 
 
45.54 
 
44.07 
 
Jan 
 
53.32 
 
47.82 
 
$43 
 
Feb 
 
46.52 
 
46.51 
 
M ar 
 
46.59 
 
46.02 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
$40 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
47.68 45.37 45.97 
 
44.24 45.76 46.07 
 
14 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.25 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
8.67 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
8.09 
 
7.51 
 
6.93 
 
6.35 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.10 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay June 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
* Does not include points 
 
1999-2000 
7.68 % 8.03 7.90 7.86 7.72 8.04 8.19 8.37 8.28 8.12 8.55 8.26 
 
2000-2001 
8.16 % 8.04 7.95 7.81 7.79 7.45 7.17 7.13 7.02 7.11 7.22 7.22 
 
8.43 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.76 
 
7.09 
 
6.42 
 
5.75 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate* 
 
8.13 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Jul 
 
7.23 % 
 
7.87 % 
 
Aug 
 
7.55 
 
7.78 
 
Sep 
 
7.48 
 
7.63 
 
Oct 
 
7.45 
 
7.48 
 
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 
 
June 
 
8.01 
 
6.77 
 
7.50 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.87 
 
Jul 
 
5.98 % 
 
7.26 % 
 
Aug 
 
6.26 
 
7.35 
 
Sep 
 
6.30 
 
7.34 
 
6.24 
 
Oct 
 
6.36 
 
7.14 
 
Nov 
 
6.30 
 
7.06 
 
Dec 
 
6.51 
 
6.92 
 
Jan 
 
6.72 
 
6.50 
 
5.61 
 
Feb 
 
6.93 
 
6.22 
 
M ar 
 
6.90 
 
6.00 
 
Apr 
 
6.82 
 
5.83 
 
M ay 
 
7.09 
 
5.79 
 
4.98 
 
June 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
7.22 
 
5.71 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / August 2001 15 
 
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