AT L A N TA 
 
METROPOLITAN 
Economic 
 
Indicators 
 
A Monthly Report of Atlanta Labor Market and Economic Trends 
 
October 2001 
 
Volume 4, Issue 8 
 
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 8 October 2001 
 
August 2001 Data Cover art: Gwinnett County Courthouse, 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 / October 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 / October 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 
 
166.5 171.9 
 
167.0 3.3% 171.9 2.9% 
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
 
Atlanta's CPI Declines in August 
 
The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Atlanta declined 0.5 percent over the two months ended in August, not seasonally adjusted, to a level of 176.9 (1982-84=100), as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. For the 12-month period ended in August, the CPI-U for Atlanta increased 2.8 percent. 
Over the two months, the all items index reflected lower costs for housing , apparel and transportation. The twomonth decline was the first decrease registered by the all items index in the current calendar year, which had steadily risen over the first six months of 2001. 
Housing costs showed a slight decline, dropping 0.1 percent over the most recent two months, after advancing 1.9 percent during May and June. The drop was due to lower costs for fuel and utilities and offset a 0.7 percent rise in 
 
Following is the formula for figur- 
 
ing Consumer Price Index changes 
 
from one point in time to another. 
 
Index point change 
 
CPI Less previous index Equals index point change 
 
112.5 108.5 
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% 
 
the cost for shelter. Overall, housing costs have risen 4.1 percent since August 2000. 
The apparel index recorded a 3.6 percent decline over the past two months, after dropping 7.7 percent in the May- 
 
June period. Since April 2001, the index has dropped over 11 percent compared to a 6.5 percent drop for the same period in 2000. Since August 2000, the index has decreased 8.6 percent. 
Transportation costs dropped 3.2 percent after rising 1.4 percent in the previous pricing period. Lower gasoline costs contributed to the transportation index's fall, as gasoline costs decreased 13.7 percent over the two months. With the most recent decline, the gasoline index has fallen 11.1 percent since August 2000, while the overall transportation index has declined 0.4 percent. Other indexes reported include the medical care index that declined 0.4 percent in July-August after advancing 0.3 percent in the May-June pricing period. Consumers' costs for medical care in the Atlanta area now stand 3.8 percent higher than they were in August 2000. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 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 Economic Indicators Show Signs of Uncertainty 
 
The Georgia Department of Labor's Index of Leading Economic Indicators for the Atlanta metropolitan area increased 0.3 percent in August from a revised 150.0 in July to 150.4 in August, after seasonal adjustment. 
The construction sector contracted during the month of August. Nonresidential construction declined 18.8 percent to 314.4 million, after posting 386.9 million during the month of July. Permits for residential construction slipped 5.3 percent during the current reporting period. Initial unemployment claims increased for the second month, climbing 7.8 percent to 12,786 from 11,858 in July. Continued unemployment claims increased only 1.8 percent after jumping 22.3 percent the previous month. 
The Index of Coincident Indicators declined 2.0 percent in August, to a level of 137.82 from a revised 140.65, after seasonal adjustment. 
 
Recent 12 Months 
57.4 Leading Coincident 
52.4 
47.3 
42.3 
37.3 
1987-88 = 100 32.2 
SOND J FMAMJ J A 
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 remained sluggish, dipping 0.2 percent in August, after decreasing 0.6 percent the previous month. Of the eleven employment sectors tracked, only four managed to post gains during the month. The retail employment sector slipped 0.9 percent in August as government employment increased 2.4 percent. 
Weekly manufacturing hours and earnings expanded 2.3 and 0.9 percent respectively, during the month of August. Unemployment in the metropolitan area increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.5 percent. Overall, the performance of this month's economic indicators shows a twist of economic uncertainty. The leading indicator has displayed sluggish growth for the past few months while the coincident indicator has contracted. This type of weak economic activity pushes the possibility of an economic rebound further into the future. 
 
4 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Data Summary 
August 2001 Data 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicator 
 
Aug 2001 
 
Jul 2001 
 
Aug 2000 
 
Percent Change Jul 2001 
to Aug 2001 
 
Percent Change Aug 2000 
to Aug 2001 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2,211,989 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
181,955 
 
Retail Employment 
 
406,589 
 
Services Employment 
 
678,326 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
216,391 
 
Government Employment 
 
271,751 
 
Construction Employment 
 
116,603 
 
Transp. & Pub. Utilities Employment 
 
197,620 
 
Finance, Insurance & Realty Employment 
 
139,645 
 
Business Services Employment 
 
211,822 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
132,739 
 
Social Services Employment 
 
31,651 
 
Manufacturing Workweek 
 
39.5 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$563.77 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$317.62 
 
Initial Unemployment Claims 
 
12,786 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
125,602 
 
Total Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) 3.5% 
 
Insured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.46% 
 
MARTA Passengers 
 
6,168,000 
 
Cobb County Transit Passengers 
 
191,556 
 
Residential Construction (household units) 
 
5,196 
 
Nonresidential Construction (value) 
 
$314,383,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$177,117 
 
Hotel Occupancy 
 
63.9% 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$80.45 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rate 
 
$45.32 
 
Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
7.01% 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.53% 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate 
 
5.57% 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
2,218,291 182,986 410,488 681,899 217,784 265,423 120,301 197,014 139,697 216,496 132,720 31,425 38.6 $558.69 $314.75 11,858 123,380 3.4% 1.34% 
5,457,000 175,748 5,487 
$386,935,000 $217,992 60.8% $75.20 $42.36 7.18% 6.73% 5.67% 
 
2,207,756 178,573 395,827 683,187 223,859 262,447 123,257 193,792 142,828 236,422 126,468 30,625 39.9 $551.20 $319.35 8,054 60,917 3.1% 0.69% 
6,648,000 137,760 5,074 
$270,611,000 $156,785 67.2% $79.40 $46.00 8.04% 7.78% 7.35% 
 
-0.28 -0.56 -0.95 -0.52 -0.64 2.38 -3.07 0.31 -0.04 -2.16 0.01 0.72 2.33 0.91 0.91 7.82 1.80 
13.03 9.00 -5.29 -18.75 -18.75 6.98 6.98 - 
 
0.19 1.89 2.72 -0.71 -3.34 3.54 -5.40 1.98 -2.23 -10.41 4.96 3.35 -0.99 2.28 -0.54 58.75 106.19 
-7.22 39.05 2.41 16.18 12.97 1.32 -1.48 - 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 5 
 
 Nonagricultural Employment 
2.27 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
2.24 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 2.21 
 
Sep 
 
2,161,010 
 
2,210,318 
 
Oct 
 
2,165,110 
 
2,214,096 
 
Nov 
 
2,169,831 
 
2,217,730 
 
2.18 
 
Dec 
 
2,181,076 
 
2,219,937 
 
Jan 
 
2,177,178 
 
2,229,649 
 
Feb 
 
2,180,802 
 
2,223,747 
 
M ar 
 
2,189,717 
 
2,224,161 
 
2.15 
 
Apr M ay 
 
2,187,603 2,196,843 
 
2,232,955 2,233,780 
 
Jun 
 
2,203,692 
 
2,232,903 
 
Jul 
 
2,203,998 
 
2,218,291 
 
2.12 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
2,207,756 
 
2,211,989 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
191.0 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
186.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
182.3 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
178.0 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
173.6 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
169.3 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
174,397 174,325 173,981 174,925 175,967 176,547 177,023 177,091 177,469 177,948 178,901 178,573 
 
179,126 178,964 178,999 179,803 180,060 180,530 181,774 185,920 184,781 185,309 182,986 181,955 
 
Retail Employment 
 
423.4 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
413.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
403.6 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
393.8 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
383.9 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
374.0 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
386,061 389,581 392,593 396,156 388,590 390,012 392,847 393,161 394,837 395,986 396,628 395,827 
 
394,649 399,385 402,555 404,998 406,387 403,654 405,595 407,984 411,778 411,087 410,488 406,589 
 
6 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Services Employment 
 
714.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
700.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
686.8 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
662,947 
 
685,468 
 
Oct 
 
665,046 
 
686,496 
 
Nov 
 
667,258 
 
688,714 
 
673.0 
 
Dec 
 
670,863 
 
684,848 
 
Jan 
 
680,244 
 
696,587 
 
Feb 
 
680,489 
 
690,355 
 
M ar 
 
681,174 
 
688,743 
 
659.1 
 
Apr M ay 
 
678,175 679,445 
 
690,425 688,247 
 
Jun 
 
685,415 
 
684,696 
 
Jul 
 
685,642 
 
681,899 
 
645.3 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
683,187 
 
678,326 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
232.7 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
228.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
224.2 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
220.0 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
215.8 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
211.5 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
227,338 226,472 226,624 227,585 223,665 223,032 223,415 222,160 221,476 221,564 222,468 223,859 
 
223,287 222,052 221,192 221,188 217,659 219,125 219,237 219,049 219,279 218,476 217,784 216,391 
 
Government Employment 
 
280.4 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
275.1 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
269.9 
 
Sep 
 
264,267 
 
267,327 
 
Oct 
 
262,179 
 
268,992 
 
Nov 
 
261,642 
 
268,548 
 
264.6 
 
Dec 
 
262,353 
 
269,478 
 
Jan 
 
261,483 
 
268,056 
 
Feb 
 
263,084 
 
270,653 
 
M ar 
 
263,951 
 
270,687 
 
259.3 
 
Apr M ay 
 
265,024 270,120 
 
272,463 273,977 
 
Jun 
 
265,272 
 
272,274 
 
Jul 
 
260,779 
 
265,423 
 
254.0 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
262,447 
 
271,751 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 7 
 
 Construction Employment 
 
126.5 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
123.8 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
121.0 
 
Sep 
 
116,373 
 
121,707 
 
Oct 
 
115,689 
 
119,390 
 
Nov 
 
116,242 
 
119,024 
 
118.2 
 
Dec 
 
115,945 
 
119,007 
 
Jan 
 
116,353 
 
122,963 
 
Feb 
 
117,198 
 
121,916 
 
M ar 
 
119,330 
 
119,714 
 
115.4 
 
Apr M ay 
 
118,994 119,517 
 
118,571 118,355 
 
Jun 
 
120,611 
 
118,534 
 
Jul 
 
122,405 
 
120,301 
 
112.6 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
123,257 
 
116,603 
 
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 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
191.7 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
188.1 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
184.6 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
189,029 190,166 190,997 191,944 191,495 191,823 192,932 190,479 191,002 191,590 191,813 193,792 
 
194,246 194,161 194,987 195,665 196,061 197,930 198,164 197,014 197,337 198,223 197,014 197,620 
 
Finance, Insurance and Realty Employment 
 
145.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
143.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
141.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
137,910 
 
142,353 
 
Oct 
 
138,142 
 
141,470 
 
139.4 
 
Nov 
 
138,577 
 
141,406 
 
Dec 
 
138,523 
 
142,389 
 
Jan 
 
138,348 
 
141,110 
 
Feb 
 
138,191 
 
140,125 
 
137.4 
 
M ar Apr M ay 
 
138,065 141,521 141,935 
 
139,794 140,346 140,052 
 
Jun 
 
142,025 
 
140,649 
 
Jul 
 
142,776 
 
139,697 
 
135.4 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
142,828 
 
139,645 
 
8 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Business Services Employment 
 
249.3 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
239.6 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
230.0 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
225,776 
 
236,526 
 
Oct 
 
227,358 
 
236,141 
 
Nov 
 
229,291 
 
234,311 
 
220.3 
 
Dec 
 
229,053 
 
232,054 
 
Jan 
 
237,852 
 
237,880 
 
Feb 
 
236,712 
 
230,679 
 
M ar 
 
235,287 
 
227,689 
 
210.6 
 
Apr M ay 
 
230,304 234,044 
 
226,107 222,922 
 
Jun 
 
235,722 
 
218,957 
 
Jul 
 
236,804 
 
216,496 
 
201.0 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
236,422 
 
211,822 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
136.4 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
133.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
130.1 
 
Sep 
 
124,929 
 
127,386 
 
Oct 
 
124,484 
 
126,997 
 
Nov 
 
125,130 
 
128,272 
 
127.0 
 
Dec 
 
125,796 
 
127,609 
 
Jan 
 
125,467 
 
129,051 
 
Feb 
 
125,263 
 
129,412 
 
M ar 
 
125,433 
 
129,375 
 
123.8 
 
Apr M ay 
 
125,595 125,013 
 
129,080 128,878 
 
Jun 
 
125,540 
 
130,191 
 
Jul 
 
126,357 
 
132,720 
 
120.6 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
126,468 
 
132,739 
 
Social Services Employment 
32.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
31.8 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 30.8 
 
Sep 
 
29,494 
 
30,500 
 
Oct 
 
30,310 
 
30,485 
 
Nov 
 
30,528 
 
30,524 
 
29.8 
 
Dec 
 
30,727 
 
30,448 
 
Jan 
 
31,018 
 
30,436 
 
Feb 
 
31,167 
 
30,986 
 
M ar 
 
31,473 
 
30,683 
 
28.8 
 
Apr M ay 
 
30,567 30,671 
 
31,074 30,859 
 
Jun 
 
30,567 
 
30,764 
 
Jul 
 
30,492 
 
31,425 
 
27.8 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
30,625 
 
31,651 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 
 
9 
 
 Manufacturing Workweek 
 
42.7 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
HOURS 
 
41.6 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
40.6 
 
Sep 
 
40.9 
 
38.7 
 
Oct 
 
40.1 
 
39.8 
 
Nov 
 
40.6 
 
39.0 
 
39.5 
 
Dec 
 
40.3 
 
38.7 
 
Jan 
 
40.5 
 
39.2 
 
Feb 
 
40.2 
 
39.0 
 
M ar 
 
40.5 
 
38.9 
 
38.5 
 
Apr 
 
41.4 
 
38.6 
 
M ay 
 
40.0 
 
39.7 
 
Jun 
 
40.1 
 
40.2 
 
Jul 
 
39.6 
 
38.6 
 
37.4 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
39.9 
 
39.5 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$603 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$585 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$568 
 
Month 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
$556.24 
 
$539.19 
 
Oct 
 
534.23 
 
559.95 
 
Nov 
 
550.92 
 
553.62 
 
$550 
 
Dec 
 
554.69 
 
553.32 
 
Jan 
 
551.00 
 
552.94 
 
Feb 
 
544.27 
 
555.30 
 
M ar 
 
553.14 
 
553.29 
 
$533 
 
Apr M ay 
 
571.94 543.21 
 
548.99 569.47 
 
Jun 
 
548.05 
 
583.48 
 
Jul 
 
541.56 
 
558.69 
 
$515 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
551.20 
 
563.77 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$345 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$336 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$327 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
$331.29 
 
$310.41 
 
Oct 
 
317.61 
 
321.81 
 
Nov 
 
327.34 
 
317.99 
 
$317 
 
Dec 
 
329.59 
 
318.00 
 
Jan 
 
326.42 
 
315.79 
 
Feb 
 
320.54 
 
315.87 
 
M ar 
 
323.09 
 
314.01 
 
$308 
 
Apr M ay 
 
333.88 316.74 
 
310.34 320.46 
 
Jun 
 
317.16 
 
327.80 
 
Jul 
 
313.40 
 
314.75 
 
$299 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
319.35 
 
317.62 
 
10 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Initial Unemployment Claims 
15.5 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
13.0 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
10.6 
 
Sep 
 
6,245 
 
7,050 
 
Oct 
 
6,372 
 
7,531 
 
Nov 
 
6,283 
 
7,694 
 
8.1 
 
Dec 
 
6,349 
 
8,018 
 
Jan 
 
7,041 
 
11,771 
 
Feb 
 
7,361 
 
10,389 
 
M ar 
 
6,019 
 
10,071 
 
5.6 
 
Apr 
 
5,755 
 
11,221 
 
M ay 
 
6,848 
 
12,049 
 
Jun 
 
7,454 
 
10,804 
 
Jul 
 
6,851 
 
11,858 
 
3.2 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
8,054 
 
12,786 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
158.0 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
129.9 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
101.8 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
51,275 
 
59,395 
 
Oct 
 
51,991 
 
71,422 
 
Nov 
 
62,161 
 
60,067 
 
73.7 
 
Dec 
 
52,107 
 
63,229 
 
Jan 
 
64,099 
 
84,799 
 
Feb 
 
55,856 
 
79,998 
 
M ar 
 
51,222 
 
76,174 
 
45.6 
 
Apr M ay 
 
54,121 64,530 
 
112,110 102,500 
 
Jun 
 
51,960 
 
100,899 
 
Jul 
 
60,800 
 
123,380 
 
17.5 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
60,917 
 
125,602 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
4.1 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
3.7 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
3.2 
 
Sep 
 
3.1 % 
 
3.1 % 
 
Oct 
 
3.1 
 
2.9 
 
Nov 
 
2.7 
 
2.5 
 
2.8 
 
Dec 
 
2.6 
 
2.4 
 
Jan 
 
2.8 
 
2.7 
 
Feb 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
Mar 
 
3.1 
 
3.1 
 
2.3 
 
Apr 
 
2.8 
 
2.9 
 
May 
 
3.0 
 
3.0 
 
Jun 
 
3.6 
 
3.5 
 
Jul 
 
3.3 
 
3.4 
 
1.9 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
3.1 
 
3.5 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 11 
 
 iInsured Unemployment Rate 
 
1.77 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
1.48 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 1.20 
 
Sep 
 
0.63 % 
 
0.69 % 
 
Oct 
 
0.64 
 
0.67 
 
Nov 
 
0.63 
 
0.69 
 
0.91 
 
Dec 
 
0.64 
 
0.77 
 
Jan 
 
0.70 
 
0.83 
 
Feb 
 
0.64 
 
0.86 
 
M ar 
 
0.63 
 
0.92 
 
0.63 
 
Apr M ay 
 
0.63 
 
1.03 
 
0.64 
 
1.14 
 
Jun 
 
0.65 
 
1.24 
 
Jul 
 
0.66 
 
1.34 
 
0.34 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
0.69 
 
1.46 
 
MMARTA Passengers 
 
7.8 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
7.2 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.6 
 
Sep 
 
6,414,000 
 
6,490,000 
 
Oct 
 
6,419,000 
 
6,503,000 
 
Nov 
 
6,671,000 
 
6,459,000 
 
6.0 
 
Dec 
 
6,542,000 
 
6,194,000 
 
Jan 
 
6,476,000 
 
6,799,000 
 
Feb 
 
6,589,000 
 
6,221,000 
 
M ar 
 
6,703,000 
 
6,433,000 
 
5.4 
 
Apr M ay 
 
6,263,000 6,671,000 
 
6,284,000 6,578,000 
 
Jun 
 
7,068,000 
 
6,539,000 
 
Jul 
 
5,995,000 
 
5,457,000 
 
Aug 4.8 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
6,648,000 
 
6,168,000 
 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers 
 
249.6 
 
1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
205.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
161.4 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
135,838 
 
132,960 
 
Oct 
 
126,490 
 
135,407 
 
Nov 
 
120,472 
 
135,877 
 
117.2 
 
Dec 
 
140,513 
 
124,577 
 
Jan 
 
89,020 
 
137,730 
 
Feb 
 
136,507 
 
129,505 
 
M ar 
 
140,823 
 
176,786 
 
73.1 
 
Apr M ay 
 
174,709 196,736 
 
149,578 170,072 
 
Jun 
 
126,596 
 
179,771 
 
Jul 
 
126,250 
 
175,748 
 
29.0 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
137,760 
 
191,556 
 
12 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 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 
 
Sep 
 
4,391 
 
4,936 
 
Oct 
 
4,243 
 
4,169 
 
Nov 
 
6,242 
 
5,153 
 
4.8 
 
Dec 
 
4,618 
 
4,569 
 
Jan 
 
5,639 
 
6,236 
 
Feb 
 
5,305 
 
6,386 
 
M ar 
 
5,801 
 
5,197 
 
3.9 
 
Apr 
 
6,037 
 
5,355 
 
M ay 
 
5,789 
 
5,884 
 
Jun 
 
5,453 
 
6,482 
 
Jul 
 
5,416 
 
5,487 
 
3.1 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
5,074 
 
5,196 
 
Nonresidential Construction 
 
$710 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$592 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$474 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
$282,640,000 $411,800,000 
 
Oct 
 
262,985,000 
 
359,115,000 
 
Nov 
 
272,326,000 
 
253,203,000 
 
$356 
 
Dec 
 
448,218,000 
 
313,388,000 
 
Jan 
 
306,194,000 
 
348,961,000 
 
Feb 
 
249,729,000 
 
329,048,000 
 
M ar 
 
341,706,000 
 
309,722,000 
 
$238 
 
Apr M ay 
 
559,751,000 368,432,000 
 
457,811,000 295,318,000 
 
Jun 
 
546,766,000 
 
290,681,000 
 
Jul 
 
277,576,000 
 
386,935,000 
 
$120 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
270,611,000 
 
314,383,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$410 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$341 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$271 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Sep 
 
$168,338,000 $237,075,000 
 
Oct 
 
156,353,000 
 
206,388,000 
 
Nov 
 
161,810,000 
 
145,435,000 
 
$202 
 
Dec 
 
266,321,000 
 
180,108,000 
 
Jan 
 
181,395,000 
 
199,292,000 
 
Feb 
 
147,072,000 
 
187,172,000 
 
M ar 
 
199,595,000 
 
175,779,000 
 
$132 
 
Apr M ay 
 
326,766,000 214,829,000 
 
258,796,000 166,189,000 
 
Jun 
 
316,416,000 
 
163,304,000 
 
Jul 
 
160,634,000 
 
217,992,000 
 
$63 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
156,785,000 
 
177,117,000 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 13 
 
 Hotel Occupancy 
71.4 1999-2000 
 
2000-2001 
 
68.5 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
65.5 
 
Sep 
 
67.10 % 
 
67.87 % 
 
Oct 
 
67.27 
 
64.71 
 
Nov 
 
65.84 
 
65.64 
 
62.6 
 
Dec 
 
60.08 
 
61.87 
 
Jan 
 
66.59 
 
65.81 
 
Feb 
 
65.04 
 
64.80 
 
M ar 
 
64.95 
 
67.35 
 
59.7 
 
Apr M ay 
 
63.05 64.49 
 
62.14 63.76 
 
Jun 
 
67.51 
 
64.97 
 
Jul 
 
68.05 
 
60.79 
 
56.7 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
67.15 
 
63.85 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
$97 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$91 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $85 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
$80 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
$74 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
$68 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
$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 80.45 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rates 
$58 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
$54 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
DOLLARS 
 
Month 1999-2000 2000-2001 $50 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
$46 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
$42 
 
Apr 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
$38 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
$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 45.32 
 
14 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 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 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.10 1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
* Does not include points 
 
1999-2000 
7.90 % 7.86 7.72 8.04 8.19 8.37 8.28 8.12 8.55 8.26 8.16 8.04 
 
2000-2001 
7.95 % 7.81 7.79 7.45 7.17 7.13 7.02 7.11 7.22 7.22 7.18 7.01 
 
8.43 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.76 
 
7.09 
 
6.42 
 
5.75 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
* 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 
 
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 
 
Aug 
 
7.78 
 
6.53 
 
7.46 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
1999-2000 2000-2001 
 
6.79 
 
Sep 
 
6.30 % 
 
7.34 % 
 
Oct 
 
6.36 
 
7.14 
 
Nov 
 
6.30 
 
7.06 
 
6.12 
 
Dec 
 
6.51 
 
6.92 
 
Jan 
 
6.72 
 
6.50 
 
Feb 
 
6.93 
 
6.22 
 
M ar 
 
6.90 
 
6.00 
 
5.46 
 
Apr 
 
6.82 
 
5.83 
 
M ay 
 
7.09 
 
5.79 
 
Jun 
 
7.22 
 
5.71 
 
Jul 
 
7.26 
 
5.67 
 
4.79 
 
Aug 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
7.35 
 
5.57 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / October 2001 15 
 
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