AT L A N TA 
 
METROPOLITAN 
Economic 
 
Indicators 
 
A Monthly Report of Atlanta Labor Market and Economic Trends 
 
September 2001 
 
Volume 4, Issue 7 
 
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 7 September 2001 
 
July 2001 Data 
Cover art: Gilbert Lambuth Chapel at Paine College, Augusta, 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 / September 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 / September 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Consumer Price Index for the South 
 
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 
110.2 114.1 118.9 124.6 131.4 134.4 138.4 142.5 146.7 151.1 155.7 157.6 159.9 164.0 169.3 
 
Feb 62.4 68.9 78.5 87.8 95.1 98.0 102.4 105.7 108.9 110.7 114.4 119.2 125.4 131.7 134.9 139.1 142.9 147.4 151.5 156.1 157.8 160.0 164.7 170.2 
 
Mar 
111.1 114.8 119.8 126.0 131.9 135.5 139.7 143.6 148.0 152.4 156.5 158.2 160.6 166.4 170.6 
 
Apr 63.5 70.3 80.6 89.0 94.7 98.8 103.1 106.4 107.9 111.5 115.4 120.8 126.1 132.1 135.9 140.2 143.8 148.4 153.2 156.7 158.5 161.5 166.6 171.4 
 
May 
111.8 115.6 121.3 126.5 132.5 136.2 140.7 144.3 148.8 153.5 156.6 158.8 161.6 166.6 171.7 
 
Jun 64.9 72.2 82.2 90.4 97.0 99.6 103.6 107.1 108.7 112.2 116.1 121.7 127.3 132.8 136.7 140.8 144.7 149.1 154.0 157.0 159.1 161.7 167.4 172.2 
 
Jul 
112.6 116.6 122.0 127.8 133.0 136.8 140.9 145.0 149.2 154.0 157.0 159.3 162.2 167.9 171.6 
 
Aug 65.9 73.6 82.7 91.9 97.6 100.2 104.3 107.6 108.7 112.9 117.0 122.1 128.7 133.3 137.0 141.5 145.5 149.7 154.1 157.1 159.5 162.6 168.0 
 
Sep 
113.5 117.7 122.5 129.7 133.8 137.3 141.6 145.8 149.8 154.5 157.5 159.5 163.2 168.5 
 
Oct 66.8 75.0 84.2 93.0 98.0 101.2 105.1 108.3 109.4 113.8 118.2 123.0 130.7 134.1 137.8 142.2 145.9 150.5 154.9 157.8 159.8 163.6 168.5 
 
Nov 
114.1 118.3 123.2 130.9 134.4 138.1 142.3 146.0 150.4 155.1 157.8 159.6 163.5 168.6 
 
Dec 67.7 76.3 85.8 94.3 97.8 101.3 105.3 108.7 109.7 114.0 118.5 123.4 130.9 134.3 137.9 142.2 146.1 150.3 155.1 157.3 159.6 163.6 168.4 
 
Rate 9.9 12.7 12.5 9.9 3.7 3.6 3.9 3.2 0.9 3.9 3.9 4.1 6.1 2.6 2.7 3.1 2.7 2.9 3.2 1.4 1.5 2.5 2.9 
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
 
CPI for the South decreased 0.3 percent in July 
 
The Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for All Urban Consumers for the South decreased 0.3 percent in July, not seasonally adjusted, to a level of 171.6 (1982-84=100), according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
The index fell for the first time this year primarily due to lower costs for transportation. Energy prices decreased 5.1 percent in July, as the costs for motor fuels declined. Excluding food and energy, the CPI-U, South rose 0.1 percent over the month. 
Over the past 12 months, the CPI-U, South has increased 2.1 percent. Over half of the increase over the past year was due to higher housing costs. After increasing 1.2 percent in June, the housing index rose 0.1 percent in July. Costs for shelter rose 0.1 percent over the month, while costs of household 
 
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% 
 
fuels and utilities rose 0.3 percent. Among fuels, a decline of 5.4 percent in costs for utility natural gas partially offset a 1.7 percent increase in costs for electricity. 
The index for apparel decreased 3.2 percent over the month. Since 1990, the 
 
apparel index has recorded a series of monthly declines each year beginning in May and extending through the July pricing period. So far this year, the index has decreased 4.0 percent compared to a 3.6 percent decrease for the same period a year ago. 
After increasing 2.2 percent over the first half of the year, the transportation index declined 2.5 percent in July. All components of the transportation index decreased, led by a decline of 11.4 percent in costs for gasoline. The decline in the index for gasoline is the largest single month decline for the index since March of 1986 and brings the transportation index to its lowest point in seventeen months. 
Medical care costs rose 0.3 percent in July to a level 3.5 percent higher than a year ago. The increase was due to an increase in the index for medical care services and commodities. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 3 
 
 M etropolitan A reas 
R anked by N um eric P opulation C hange : 1990 to 2000 
T op 10 M etro Areas 
 
Los A ngeles - R iverside - O range C ou nty , C A N ew York - N orthern N .J. - L.I, N Y, N J, C T , P A 
D allas - F t . W o rt h, T X A tlanta, G A 
P hoenix - M esa, A Z H ouston - G alveston - B raz oria, T X C hicago - G ary - K enos ha, IL , IN , W I W as hingt o n - B alt im ore, D C , M D , V A , W V San F rancisco - O akland - San Jose, C A 
L as V egas , N V - A Z 0 
 
500 
 
1 ,0 0 0 
 
1 ,5 0 0 
 
T housands 
 
2 ,0 0 0 
 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 
 
Atlanta, Georgia's MSA Ranks High in 2000 Census 
 
The U.S Census Bureau published population data ranking the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas (MSA)in the United States over the past decade. The Atlanta MSA ranked in the top ten. Everyone knew that the Atlanta MSA had experienced phenomenal growth in the last decade; however, it was not quantified by the Census Bureau until the 2000 census was completed. 
The Atlanta MSA had the fourth largest increase in population of a metropolitan area in the nation; the region added 1.1 million residents to the area between 1990 and 2000. The population of the Atlanta MSA increased from 2.9 million in 1990, to 4.1 million in 2000. Over the ten year period the metropolitan area achieved a population growth rate of 38.9 percent, making it the eleventh fastest growing MSA in the nation (on a percentage basis). 
 
The Atlanta metropolitan area consists of twenty counties that surround the city of Atlanta in a circular (shaped) cluster. Some of the counties in the metropolitan area experienced explosive population growth during the last decade, which had a significant impact on the region's growth. 
Forsyth County, which is located on the northern side of the metropolitan area experienced a massive influx of 54,000 residents over the past decade. The population of the county went from 44,000 in 1990 to 98,000 in 2000. The residents of Forsyth County grew 123.2 percent during the ten year reporting period. The growth of Forsyth County has made it the fastest growing county in the state and second in the nation (on a percentage basis). 
Henry County, which is located on the southeast portion of the Atlanta MSA also experienced phenomenal 
 
growth. Henry gained 60,000 residents between 1990 and 2000 making it the fourth fastest growing county in the state (numerically). The population of the county increased from 59,000 in 1990 to 119,000 in 2000. The residents of Henry County increased 103.2 percent during the last decade, making it the second fastest growing county in the state and fifth in the nation (on a percentage basis). Gwinnett County, which is located on the northeast region of the Atlanta metropolitan area leads the area in population growth. Gwinnett added 235,000 residents over the 10 year period. The population of the county increased from 353,000 in 1990 to 588,000 in 2000, an increase of 66.7 percent. Gwinnett holds the state's number one spot for the county with the largest numeric population increase over the last decade. 
 
4 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Data Summary 
July 2001 Data 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators 
 
July 2001 June 2001 
 
July 2000 
 
Percent Percent Change Change 
 
June 2001 July 2000 
 
to 
 
to 
 
July 2001 July 2001 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2,219,291 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
183,186 
 
Retail Employment 
 
410,287 
 
Services Employment 
 
681,007 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
220,096 
 
Government Employment 
 
265,627 
 
Construction Employment 
 
119,511 
 
Transp. & Pub. Utilities Employment 
 
197,413 
 
Finance, Insurance & Realty Employment 
 
139,697 
 
Business Services Employment 
 
216,496 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
132,421 
 
Social Services Employment 
 
31,732 
 
Manufacturing Workweek 
 
39.2 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$574.87 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$323.87 
 
Initial Unemployment Claims 
 
11,858 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
123,380 
 
Total Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) 3.4% 
 
Insured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.34% 
 
MARTA Passengers 
 
5,457,000 
 
Cobb County Transit Passengers 
 
175,748 
 
Residential Construction (household units) 
 
5,487 
 
Nonresidential Construction (value) 
 
$386,935,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$217,992 
 
Hotel Occupancy 
 
60.8% 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$75.20 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rate 
 
$42.36 
 
Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
7.18% 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.73% 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate 
 
5.67% 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
2,232,903 185,309 411,087 684,696 218,476 272,274 118,534 198,223 140,649 218,957 130,191 30,764 40.2 $583.48 $327.80 10,804 100,899 3.5% 1.24% 
6,539,000 179,771 6,482 
$290,681,000 $163,304 65.0% $82.01 $46.07 7.22% 6.77% 5.71% 
 
2,203,998 178,901 396,628 685,642 222,468 260,779 122,405 191,813 142,776 236,804 126,357 30,492 39.6 $541.56 $313.40 6,851 60,800 3.3% 0.66% 
5,995,000 126,250 5,416 
$277,576,000 $160,634 68.0% $78.54 $45.45 8.16% 7.87% 7.26% 
 
-0.61 -1.15 -0.19 -0.54 0.74 -2.44 0.82 -0.41 -0.68 -1.12 1.71 3.15 -2.42 -1.47 -1.20 9.76 22.28 
-16.55 -2.24 -15.35 33.11 33.49 -8.30 -8.05 - 
 
0.69 2.40 3.44 -0.68 -1.07 1.86 -2.36 2.92 -2.16 -8.58 4.80 4.07 -1.00 6.15 3.34 73.08 102.93 
-8.97 39.21 1.32 39.40 35.71 -4.26 -6.79 - 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 5 
 
 Nonagricultural Employment 
2.27 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
2.24 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 2.21 
 
Aug 
 
2,150,307 
 
2,207,756 
 
Sep 
 
2,161,010 
 
2,210,318 
 
Oct 
 
2,165,110 
 
2,214,096 
 
2.17 
 
Nov 
 
2,169,831 
 
2,217,730 
 
Dec 
 
2,181,076 
 
2,219,937 
 
Jan 
 
2,177,178 
 
2,229,649 
 
Feb 
 
2,180,802 
 
2,223,747 
 
2.14 
 
M ar 
 
2,189,717 
 
2,224,161 
 
Apr 
 
2,187,603 
 
2,232,955 
 
M ay 
 
2,196,843 
 
2,233,780 
 
Jun 
 
2,203,692 
 
2,232,903 
 
2.11 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
2,203,998 
 
2,219,291 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
191.0 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
186.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
182.3 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
178.0 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
173.6 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
169.3 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
174,799 174,397 174,325 173,981 174,925 175,967 176,547 177,023 177,091 177,469 177,948 178,901 
 
178,573 179,126 178,964 178,999 179,803 180,060 180,530 181,774 185,920 184,781 185,309 183,186 
 
Retail Employment 
 
423.4 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
413.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
403.6 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
393.8 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
383.9 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
374.0 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
385,740 386,061 389,581 392,593 396,156 388,590 390,012 392,847 393,161 394,837 395,986 396,628 
 
395,827 394,649 399,385 402,555 404,998 406,387 403,654 405,595 407,984 411,778 411,087 410,287 
 
6 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Services Employment 
 
717.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
701.8 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
686.1 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
658,211 
 
683,187 
 
Sep 
 
662,947 
 
685,468 
 
Oct 
 
665,046 
 
686,496 
 
670.4 
 
Nov 
 
667,258 
 
688,714 
 
Dec 
 
670,863 
 
684,848 
 
Jan 
 
680,244 
 
696,587 
 
Feb 
 
680,489 
 
690,355 
 
654.7 
 
M ar 
 
681,174 
 
688,743 
 
Apr 
 
678,175 
 
690,425 
 
M ay 
 
679,445 
 
688,247 
 
Jun 
 
685,415 
 
684,696 
 
639.0 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
685,642 
 
681,007 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
232.7 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
228.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
224.7 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
220.7 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
216.7 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
212.7 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
226,817 227,338 226,472 226,624 227,585 223,665 223,032 223,415 222,160 221,476 221,564 222,468 
 
223,859 223,287 222,052 221,192 221,188 217,659 219,125 219,237 219,049 219,279 218,476 220,096 
 
Government Employment 
 
281.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
275.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
269.0 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
257,531 
 
262,447 
 
Sep 
 
264,267 
 
267,327 
 
Oct 
 
262,179 
 
268,992 
 
262.8 
 
Nov 
 
261,642 
 
268,548 
 
Dec 
 
262,353 
 
269,478 
 
Jan 
 
261,483 
 
268,056 
 
Feb 
 
263,084 
 
270,653 
 
256.5 
 
M ar 
 
263,951 
 
270,687 
 
Apr 
 
265,024 
 
272,463 
 
M ay 
 
270,120 
 
273,977 
 
Jun 
 
265,272 
 
272,274 
 
250.3 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
260,779 
 
265,627 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 7 
 
 Construction Employment 
 
126.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
123.8 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
121.0 
 
Aug 
 
115,957 
 
123,257 
 
Sep 
 
116,373 
 
121,707 
 
Oct 
 
115,689 
 
119,390 
 
118.2 
 
Nov 
 
116,242 
 
119,024 
 
Dec 
 
115,945 
 
119,007 
 
Jan 
 
116,353 
 
122,963 
 
Feb 
 
117,198 
 
121,916 
 
115.4 
 
M ar 
 
119,330 
 
119,714 
 
Apr 
 
118,994 
 
118,571 
 
M ay 
 
119,517 
 
118,355 
 
Jun 
 
120,611 
 
118,534 
 
112.6 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
122,405 
 
119,511 
 
Transportation and Public Utilities Employment 
 
202.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
198.9 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
195.3 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
191.7 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
188.1 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
184.6 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
189,145 189,029 190,166 190,997 191,944 191,495 191,823 192,932 190,479 191,002 191,590 191,813 
 
193,792 194,246 194,161 194,987 195,665 196,061 197,930 198,164 197,014 197,337 198,223 197,413 
 
Finance, Insurance and Realty Employment 
 
145.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
143.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
141.2 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
138,130 
 
142,828 
 
Sep 
 
137,910 
 
142,353 
 
139.1 
 
Oct 
 
138,142 
 
141,470 
 
Nov 
 
138,577 
 
141,406 
 
Dec 
 
138,523 
 
142,389 
 
Jan 
 
138,348 
 
141,110 
 
137.1 
 
Feb 
 
138,191 
 
140,125 
 
M ar 
 
138,065 
 
139,794 
 
Apr 
 
141,521 
 
140,346 
 
M ay Jun 
 
141,935 142,025 
 
140,052 140,649 
 
135.0 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
142,776 
 
139,697 
 
8 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Business Services Employment 
 
247.4 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
239.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
231.5 
 
Month Aug 
 
1999-2000 
223,226 
 
2000-2001 
236,422 
 
Sep 
 
225,776 
 
236,526 
 
Oct 
 
227,358 
 
236,141 
 
223.5 
 
Nov 
 
229,291 
 
234,311 
 
Dec 
 
229,053 
 
232,054 
 
Jan 
 
237,852 
 
237,880 
 
Feb 
 
236,712 
 
230,679 
 
215.5 
 
M ar 
 
235,287 
 
227,689 
 
Apr 
 
230,304 
 
226,107 
 
M ay 
 
234,044 
 
222,922 
 
Jun 
 
235,722 
 
218,957 
 
207.6 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
236,804 
 
216,496 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
135.7 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
132.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
129.7 
 
Aug 
 
124,488 
 
126,468 
 
Sep 
 
124,929 
 
127,386 
 
Oct 
 
124,484 
 
126,997 
 
126.7 
 
Nov 
 
125,130 
 
128,272 
 
Dec 
 
125,796 
 
127,609 
 
Jan 
 
125,467 
 
129,051 
 
Feb 
 
125,263 
 
129,412 
 
123.6 
 
M ar 
 
125,433 
 
129,375 
 
Apr 
 
125,595 
 
129,080 
 
M ay 
 
125,013 
 
128,878 
 
Jun 
 
125,540 
 
130,191 
 
120.6 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
126,357 
 
132,421 
 
Social Services Employment 
32.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
31.8 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 30.8 
 
Aug 
 
29,694 
 
30,625 
 
Sep 
 
29,494 
 
30,500 
 
Oct 
 
30,310 
 
30,485 
 
29.8 
 
Nov 
 
30,528 
 
30,524 
 
Dec 
 
30,727 
 
30,448 
 
Jan 
 
31,018 
 
30,436 
 
Feb 
 
31,167 
 
30,986 
 
28.8 
 
M ar 
 
31,473 
 
30,683 
 
Apr 
 
30,567 
 
31,074 
 
M ay 
 
30,671 
 
30,859 
 
Jun 
 
30,567 
 
30,764 
 
27.8 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
30,492 
 
31,732 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 9 
 
 Manufacturing Workweek 
 
42.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
HOURS 
 
41.5 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
40.5 
 
Aug 
 
40.7 
 
39.9 
 
Sep 
 
40.9 
 
38.7 
 
Oct 
 
40.1 
 
39.8 
 
39.5 
 
Nov 
 
40.6 
 
39.0 
 
Dec 
 
40.3 
 
38.7 
 
Jan 
 
40.5 
 
39.2 
 
Feb 
 
40.2 
 
39.0 
 
38.5 
 
M ar 
 
40.5 
 
38.9 
 
Apr 
 
41.4 
 
38.6 
 
M ay 
 
40.0 
 
39.7 
 
Jun 
 
37.5 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
40.1 
 
40.2 
 
39.6 
 
39.2 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$603 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$585 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$568 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
$540.36 
 
$551.20 
 
Sep 
 
556.24 
 
539.19 
 
Oct 
 
534.23 
 
559.95 
 
$550 
 
Nov 
 
550.92 
 
553.62 
 
Dec 
 
554.69 
 
553.32 
 
Jan 
 
551.00 
 
552.94 
 
Feb 
 
544.27 
 
555.30 
 
$533 
 
M ar 
 
553.14 
 
553.29 
 
Apr 
 
571.94 
 
548.99 
 
M ay 
 
543.21 
 
569.47 
 
Jun 
 
548.05 
 
583.48 
 
$515 
 
Jul 
 
541.56 
 
574.87 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$345 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$336 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$327 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
$323.38 
 
$319.35 
 
Sep 
 
331.29 
 
310.41 
 
Oct 
 
317.61 
 
321.81 
 
$317 
 
Nov 
 
327.34 
 
317.99 
 
Dec 
 
329.59 
 
318.00 
 
Jan 
 
326.42 
 
315.79 
 
Feb 
 
320.54 
 
315.87 
 
$308 
 
M ar 
 
323.09 
 
314.01 
 
Apr 
 
333.88 
 
310.34 
 
M ay 
 
316.74 
 
320.46 
 
Jun 
 
317.16 
 
327.80 
 
$299 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
313.40 
 
323.87 
 
10 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 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 
 
Aug 
 
6,383 
 
8,054 
 
Sep 
 
6,245 
 
7,050 
 
Oct 
 
6,372 
 
7,531 
 
7.9 
 
Nov 
 
6,283 
 
7,694 
 
Dec 
 
6,349 
 
8,018 
 
Jan 
 
7,041 
 
11,771 
 
Feb 
 
7,361 
 
10,389 
 
5.5 
 
M ar 
 
6,019 
 
10,071 
 
Apr 
 
5,755 
 
11,221 
 
M ay 
 
6,848 
 
12,049 
 
Jun 
 
7,454 
 
10,804 
 
3.2 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
6,851 
 
11,858 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
155.3 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
127.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
100.2 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
63,232 
 
60,917 
 
Sep 
 
51,275 
 
59,395 
 
Oct 
 
51,991 
 
71,422 
 
72.6 
 
Nov 
 
62,161 
 
60,067 
 
Dec 
 
52,107 
 
63,229 
 
Jan 
 
64,099 
 
84,799 
 
Feb 
 
55,856 
 
79,998 
 
45.1 
 
M ar 
 
51,222 
 
76,174 
 
Apr 
 
54,121 
 
112,110 
 
M ay 
 
64,530 
 
102,500 
 
Jun 
 
51,960 
 
100,899 
 
17.5 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
60,800 
 
123,380 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
4.1 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
3.7 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
3.2 
 
Aug 
 
3.2 % 
 
3.1 % 
 
Sep 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Oct 
 
3.1 
 
2.9 
 
2.8 
 
Nov 
 
2.7 
 
2.5 
 
Dec 
 
2.6 
 
2.4 
 
Jan 
 
2.8 
 
2.7 
 
Feb 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
2.3 
 
Mar 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Apr 
 
2.8 
 
2.9 
 
May 
 
3.0 
 
3.0 
 
Jun 
 
3.6 
 
3.5 
 
1.9 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
3.3 
 
3.4 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 11 
 
 iInsured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.66 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
1.40 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 1.13 
 
Aug 
 
0.64 % 
 
0.69 % 
 
Sep 
 
0.63 
 
0.69 
 
Oct 
 
0.64 
 
0.67 
 
0.87 
 
Nov 
 
0.63 
 
0.69 
 
Dec 
 
0.64 
 
0.77 
 
Jan 
 
0.70 
 
0.83 
 
Feb 
 
0.64 
 
0.86 
 
0.60 
 
M ar 
 
0.63 
 
0.92 
 
Apr 
 
0.63 
 
1.03 
 
M ay 
 
0.64 
 
1.14 
 
Jun 
 
0.65 
 
1.24 
 
0.34 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
0.66 
 
1.34 
 
MMARTA Passengers 
 
7.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
7.2 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 6.6 
 
Aug 
 
6,270,000 
 
6,648,000 
 
Sep 
 
6,414,000 
 
6,490,000 
 
Oct 
 
6,419,000 
 
6,503,000 
 
6.0 
 
Nov 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,459,000 
 
Dec 
 
6,542,000 
 
6,194,000 
 
Jan 
 
6,476,000 
 
6,799,000 
 
Feb 
 
6,589,000 
 
6,221,000 
 
5.4 
 
M ar 
 
6,703,000 
 
6,433,000 
 
Apr 
 
6,263,000 
 
6,284,000 
 
M ay 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,578,000 
 
Jun 
 
7,068,000 
 
6,539,000 
 
4.8 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
5,995,000 
 
5,457,000 
 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers 
 
249.6 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
205.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
161.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
141,427 
 
137,760 
 
Sep 
 
135,838 
 
132,960 
 
Oct 
 
126,490 
 
135,407 
 
117.2 
 
Nov 
 
120,472 
 
135,877 
 
Dec 
 
140,513 
 
124,577 
 
Jan 
 
89,020 
 
137,730 
 
Feb 
 
136,507 
 
129,505 
 
73.1 
 
M ar 
 
140,823 
 
176,786 
 
Apr 
 
174,709 
 
149,578 
 
M ay 
 
196,736 
 
170,072 
 
Jun 
 
126,596 
 
179,771 
 
29.0 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
126,250 
 
175,748 
 
12 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 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 
 
Aug 
 
4,812 
 
5,074 
 
Sep 
 
4,391 
 
4,936 
 
Oct 
 
4,243 
 
4,169 
 
4.8 
 
Nov 
 
6,242 
 
5,153 
 
Dec 
 
4,618 
 
4,569 
 
Jan 
 
5,639 
 
6,236 
 
Feb 
 
5,305 
 
6,386 
 
3.9 
 
M ar 
 
5,801 
 
5,197 
 
Apr 
 
6,037 
 
5,355 
 
M ay 
 
5,789 
 
5,884 
 
Jun 
 
5,453 
 
6,482 
 
3.1 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
5,416 
 
5,487 
 
Nonresidential Construction 
 
$710 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$592 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$474 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
$405,393,000 $270,611,000 
 
Sep 
 
282,640,000 
 
411,800,000 
 
Oct 
 
262,985,000 
 
359,115,000 
 
$356 
 
Nov 
 
272,326,000 
 
253,203,000 
 
Dec 
 
448,218,000 
 
313,388,000 
 
Jan 
 
306,194,000 
 
348,961,000 
 
Feb 
 
249,729,000 
 
329,048,000 
 
$238 
 
M ar 
 
341,706,000 
 
309,722,000 
 
Apr 
 
559,751,000 
 
457,811,000 
 
M ay 
 
368,432,000 
 
295,318,000 
 
Jun 
 
546,766,000 
 
290,681,000 
 
$120 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
277,576,000 
 
386,935,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$410 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$341 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$271 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Aug 
 
$242,605,000 $156,785,000 
 
Sep 
 
168,338,000 
 
237,075,000 
 
Oct 
 
156,353,000 
 
206,388,000 
 
$202 
 
Nov 
 
161,810,000 
 
145,435,000 
 
Dec 
 
266,321,000 
 
180,108,000 
 
Jan 
 
181,395,000 
 
199,292,000 
 
Feb 
 
147,072,000 
 
187,172,000 
 
$132 
 
M ar 
 
199,595,000 
 
175,779,000 
 
Apr 
 
326,766,000 
 
258,796,000 
 
M ay 
 
214,829,000 
 
166,189,000 
 
Jun 
 
316,416,000 
 
163,304,000 
 
$63 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
160,634,000 
 
217,992,000 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 13 
 
 Hotel Occupancy 
71.4 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
68.5 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
65.5 
 
Aug 
 
64.31 % 
 
67.15 % 
 
Sep 
 
67.10 
 
67.87 
 
Oct 
 
67.27 
 
64.71 
 
62.6 
 
Nov 
 
65.84 
 
65.64 
 
Dec 
 
60.08 
 
61.87 
 
Jan 
 
66.59 
 
65.81 
 
Feb 
 
65.04 
 
64.80 
 
59.7 
 
M ar 
 
64.95 
 
67.35 
 
Apr 
 
63.05 
 
62.14 
 
M ay 
 
64.49 
 
63.76 
 
Jun 
 
67.51 
 
64.97 
 
56.7 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
68.05 
 
60.79 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$97 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$91 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $85 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
$80 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
$74 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
$68 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
$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 75.20 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rates 
$58 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$54 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
DOLLARS 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $50 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
$46 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
$42 
 
M ar 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
$38 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
$46.83 47.03 47.85 48.36 45.54 53.32 46.52 46.59 47.68 45.37 45.97 45.45 
 
$46.00 46.96 45.52 45.39 44.07 47.82 46.51 46.02 44.24 45.76 46.07 42.36 
 
14 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 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 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.10 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay Jun Jul 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
* Does not include points 
 
1999-2000 
8.03 % 7.90 7.86 7.72 8.04 8.19 8.37 8.28 8.12 8.55 8.26 8.16 
 
2000-2001 
8.04 % 7.95 7.81 7.79 7.45 7.17 7.13 7.02 7.11 7.22 7.22 7.18 
 
8.43 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.76 
 
7.09 
 
6.42 
 
5.75 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate* 
 
8.12 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
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 
 
Jun 
 
8.01 
 
6.77 
 
Jul 
 
7.87 
 
6.73 
 
7.48 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.84 
 
Aug 
 
6.26 % 
 
7.35 % 
 
Sep 
 
6.30 
 
7.34 
 
Oct 
 
6.36 
 
7.14 
 
6.20 
 
Nov 
 
6.30 
 
7.06 
 
Dec 
 
6.51 
 
6.92 
 
Jan 
 
6.72 
 
6.50 
 
Feb 
 
6.93 
 
6.22 
 
5.56 
 
M ar 
 
6.90 
 
6.00 
 
Apr 
 
6.82 
 
5.83 
 
M ay 
 
7.09 
 
5.79 
 
Jun 
 
7.22 
 
5.71 
 
4.92 
 
Jul 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
7.26 
 
5.67 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / September 2001 15 
 
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