ATL ANTA 
 
METROPOLITAN 
Economic 
 
Indicators 
 
A Monthly Report of Atlanta Labor Market and Economic Trends 
 
June 2002 
 
Volume 5, Issue 4 
 
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 5, Issue 4 June 2002 
 
April 2002 Data 
Cover art: Margaret Mitchell House, Atlanta, Georgia by Huey J. Theus, Mableton, Georgia 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators is published by Workforce Information and Analysis, a division of the Georgia Department of Labor, 148 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 303031751. The telephone number is (404) 656-3177. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner 
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Programs Auxiliary Aids and Services Available Upon Request to Individuals With Disabilities 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
 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 the Georgia 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 
 
2 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Consumer Price Index for Atlanta 
 
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
Mar 
 
Apr 
 
May 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
Dec 
 
Rate 
 
61.7 
 
62.5 
 
63.6 
 
64.7 
 
65.9 
 
65.9 
 
7.7 
 
66.9 
 
68.5 
 
70.5 
 
71.9 
 
73.2 
 
74 
 
12.3 
 
76.4 
 
78 
 
80.3 
 
81.7 
 
83 
 
85.7 
 
15.8 
 
87.2 
 
88.2 
 
89.3 
 
91.6 
 
93.3 
 
93.6 
 
9.2 
 
92.8 
 
92.9 
 
96.5 
 
98 
 
98.8 
 
98.2 
 
4.9 
 
97.9 
 
98.7 
 
100.2 
 
100.8 
 
100.9 
 
101.9 
 
3.8 
 
102.6 
 
103.2 
 
104.1 
 
104.8 
 
105.4 
 
105.5 
 
3.5 
 
107 
 
107.6 
 
108.8 
 
109.9 
 
110.4 
 
111.2 
 
5.4 
 
111.7 
 
111.1 
 
112.2 
 
112.4 
 
112.7 
 
113.5 
 
2.1 
 
115.5 
 
117.5 
 
3.5 
 
119.1 
 
121.7 
 
3.6 
 
124.9 
 
127.3 
 
4.6 
 
130.8 
 
132.6 
 
4.2 
 
135.5 
 
136.2 
 
2.7 
 
138.6 
 
138.5 
 
1.7 
 
142.2 
 
144.7 
 
4.5 
 
146.7 
 
146.7 
 
1.4 
 
150.3 
 
151.5 
 
3.3 
 
154.7 
 
157.2 
 
3.8 
 
158.3 
 
159.5 
 
1.5 
 
159.5 
 
160.8 
 
162 
 
161.9 
 
162 
 
161.6 
 
1.4 
 
161.9 
 
164 
 
164.8 
 
165.9 
 
166.5 
 
167 
 
3.3 
 
167.4 
 
169.8 
 
170.9 
 
172.1 
 
171.9 
 
171.9 
 
2.9 
 
175.3 
 
176.6 
 
177.8 
 
176.9 
 
176.7 
 
174.8 
 
1.7 
 
176.1 
 
178.6 
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
 
Consumer Price Index for Atlanta 
 
The Consumer Price Index for All 
 
household furnishings and operations 
 
Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Following is the formula for figur- costs declined 0.4 percent. 
 
Atlanta increased 1.4 percent over ing Consumer Price Index changes Apparel costs decreased 4.2 percent 
 
the two months ending in April to a from one point in time to another. in the March-April pricing period after 
 
level of 178.6 (1982-84=100), not 
 
Index point change increasing 14.5 percent in the January- 
 
seasonally adjusted, as recently CPI reported by the Bureau of Labor Less previous index 
 
112.5 February period. With the most recent 108.5 decrease, apparel costs are 0.5 percent 
 
Statistics of the U.S. Department of Equals index point change 
 
4.0 higher than a year ago. 
 
Labor. For the 12-month period ending in April, the CPI-U for Atlanta increased 1.1 percent, compared to a 3.9 percent increase recorded for the same 12-month period ending in April 2001. 
Among the major index groups, 
 
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% 
 
Transportation costs rose 4.8 percent. The index's increase reflected higher costs for motor fuel, which increased 27.9 percent over the past two months. Over the past year, transportation costs in the Atlanta area have increased 0.6 percent, as costs for motor fuel have 
 
the housing index increased 1.9 
 
declined 5.1 percent. 
 
percent over the past two months, April pricing period as costs for utility Other indexes reported include the 
 
reflecting higher costs for shelter. natural gas service declined 2.2 medical care index, which increased 
 
Shelter costs increased 2.4 percent. percent. Over the 12 months ending 2.6 percent over the past two months. 
 
Household fuels and utilities costs in April, the housing index has With the most recent increase, 
 
continued a downward trend that increased 1.3 percent, as shelter costs consumers' costs for medical care in 
 
began in August 2001. The index rose 3.0 percent, fuels and utilities the Atlanta area now stand 2.6 percent 
 
declined 0.6 percent in the March- costs dropped 7.1 percent, and higher than they were in April 2001. 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 3 
 
 Metro Atlanta Continues to Lead the Nation in Housing Starts 
 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau the Atlanta metropoli- DeKalb County came in third with a 11.6% share of permits 
 
tan statistical area (MSA) holds the number one spot for the authorized with construction costs also exceeding $1 billion 
 
highest number of permits authorized for new privately dollars. 
 
owned housing units in 2001. This recognition adds to the 
 
other first place holdings (for 
 
During the 90's the metropolitan 
 
housing starts) that Atlanta captured in the last decade. 
 
Metro Atlanta Housing Starts 2001 
 
area's growth was fueled by the massive number of jobs created, 
 
The Atlanta MSA exceeded 65,000 housing permits in 2001, which was approximately 7,000 more permits then the runner up (Los Angeles CMSA). Officially, the Atlanta MSA issued 65,268 permits for new residential homes in 2001. The number of unadjusted units totaled 65,483: 48,428 single unit permits; 150 double unit permits; 350 three and four unit permits; and 16,555 permits for five units 
 
% permits by county 
 
O th er 54.6% 
 
G winnett 17.2% 
F u lton 16.6% 
D eK a lb 11.6% 
 
which led to an influx of workers in search of better opportunities. Those new residents along with native Atlantans, have taken advantage of the low interest rates and have transcended from apartment dwellers to new home owners. 
Since then the economy has slowed but the housing market continues to hold its ground and has taken the lead in the eventual economic recovery. 
 
or more. 
 
The Atlanta metro area seems to 
 
Gwinnett County produced 17.3% of the permits in the metro area (making it the largest contributor) with more than $1 billion in construction costs. 
 
be on track to surpass last year's numbers. As of May of this year 29,334 permits (year to date) have been authorized for new housing units. A year 
 
Fulton County placed second with 16.6% of the housing earlier, in May 2001, there were 29,297 new housing per- 
 
permits distributed and $968 million in construction costs. mits authorized. 
 
A t lan t a M SA L o s A n geles CM SA 
N ew Y o rk CM SA W ash in gt o n CM SA D allas-Ft .W o rt h T X CM SA 
P h o en ix M SA Ch icago CM SA H o ust o n * T X CM SA D en v er CM SA L as Vegas N V-A Z M SA 
M iam i CM SA D et ro it CM SA Seat t le CM SA San Fran cisco CM SA O rlan do M SA M in n eap o lis M SA Ch arlo t t e M SA 
T am p a M SA P h iladelp h ia CM SA 
Raleigh M SA 
 
New privately owned housing units authorized - Top 20 
 
CMSA's / MSA's: 2001 
 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 
 
0 
 
10000 
 
20000 
 
30000 
 
40000 
 
50000 
 
60000 
 
* Houston, TX CMSA includes Galveston and Brazoria TX. CMSA= Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area 
 
70000 
 
4 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Data Summary 
April 2002 Data 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators 
 
Apr 2002 Mar 2002 
 
Apr 2001 
 
Percent Change Mar 2002 
to Apr 2002 
 
Percent Change Apr 2001 
to Apr 2002 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2,145,359 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
158,848 
 
Retail Employment 
 
388,681 
 
Services Employment 
 
679,509 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
209,724 
 
Government Employment 
 
277,181 
 
Construction Employment 
 
112,337 
 
Transp. & Pub. Utilities Employment 
 
176,988 
 
Finance, Insurance & Realty Employment 
 
140,431 
 
Business Services Employment 
 
211,714 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
132,493 
 
Social Services Employment 
 
34,711 
 
Manufacturing Workweek 
 
39.4 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$562.96 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$313.11 
 
Initial Unemployment Claims 
 
14,740 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
219,796 
 
Total Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) 4.4% 
 
Insured Unemployment Rate 
 
2.07% 
 
MARTA Passengers 
 
5,861,000 
 
Cobb County Transit Passengers 
 
172,867 
 
Residential Construction (household units) 
 
5,787 
 
Nonresidential Construction (value) 
 
$314,321,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$174,817 
 
Hotel Occupancy 
 
61.5% 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
 
$79.05 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rate 
 
$43.96 
 
Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.96% 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 
 
6.49% 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate 
 
4.92% 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
2,135,751 158,105 385,735 672,940 207,679 277,134 112,918 177,345 142,397 206,958 132,974 34,644 40.3 $580.85 $324.86 13,598 168,001 4.7% 2.06% 
5,408,000 165,386 5,286 
$170,535,000 $95,378 61.0% $81.37 $45.51 7.00% 6.55% 4.98% 
 
2,212,235 169,364 401,984 693,171 213,394 272,995 122,183 194,821 143,418 226,603 128,711 32,128 38.4 $541.22 $305.95 10,910 110,332 2.8% 1.02% 
6,335,000 147,888 5,201 
$430,876,000 $243,570 63.5% $78.87 $44.59 7.11% 6.62% 5.83% 
 
0.45 0.47 0.76 0.98 0.98 0.02 -0.51 -0.20 -1.38 2.30 -0.36 0.19 -2.20 -3.08 -3.62 8.40 30.83 
8.38 4.52 9.49 84.31 83.29 -2.85 -3.39 - 
 
-3.02 -6.21 -3.31 -1.97 -1.72 1.53 -8.06 -9.15 -2.08 -6.57 2.94 8.04 2.65 4.02 2.34 35.11 99.21 
-7.48 16.89 11.27 -27.05 -28.23 0.22 -1.40 - 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 5 
 
 MILLIONS 
 
Nonagricultural Employment 
 
2.25 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
2.22 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 2.19 
 
M ay 
 
2,176,197 
 
2,205,265 
 
Jun 
 
2,181,190 
 
2,204,728 
 
2.16 
 
Jul 
 
2,182,146 
 
2,196,446 
 
Aug 
 
2,190,815 
 
2,187,626 
 
Sep 
 
2,191,073 
 
2,184,321 
 
Oct 
 
2,195,286 
 
2,185,609 
 
Nov 
 
2,200,703 
 
2,160,248 
 
2.13 
 
Dec 
 
2,204,842 
 
2,147,497 
 
Jan 
 
2,199,393 
 
2,137,649 
 
Feb 
 
2,201,436 
 
2,138,795 
 
M ar 
 
2,205,457 
 
2,135,751 
 
2.10 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2,212,235 
 
2,145,359 
 
Wholesale Employment 
 
181.0 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
175.0 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
169.0 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
163.0 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
157.0 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
151.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
173,757 173,367 172,513 171,880 170,937 170,371 169,345 169,761 170,504 169,542 169,720 169,364 
 
168,736 169,520 170,210 167,889 168,089 168,062 167,416 162,368 163,076 160,916 158,105 158,848 
 
Retail Employment 
 
410.3 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
403.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
396.4 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
389.5 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
382.6 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
375.6 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
390,416 391,699 391,542 392,650 392,803 394,699 398,257 398,610 398,320 398,616 400,920 401,984 
 
401,803 401,290 396,967 396,531 395,769 395,528 394,349 395,442 386,814 383,758 385,735 388,681 
 
6 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Services Employment 
 
709.5 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
696.8 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
684.1 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
672,465 
 
689,963 
 
Jun 
 
679,515 
 
688,556 
 
Jul 
 
682,225 
 
688,432 
 
671.3 
 
Aug 
 
686,911 
 
685,960 
 
Sep 
 
688,611 
 
681,110 
 
Oct 
 
688,958 
 
681,820 
 
Nov 
 
689,450 
 
670,195 
 
658.6 
 
Dec 
 
690,858 
 
663,531 
 
Jan 
 
687,922 
 
662,269 
 
Feb 
 
687,678 
 
667,703 
 
M ar 
 
688,722 
 
672,940 
 
645.8 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
693,171 
 
679,509 
 
Manufacturing Employment 
 
229.6 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
224.0 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
218.4 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
212.8 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
207.2 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
201.6 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
221,858 222,571 218,876 221,181 220,284 219,354 218,679 218,388 215,961 216,332 215,752 213,394 
 
211,695 211,596 210,996 210,224 210,013 210,737 207,678 208,484 212,496 212,370 207,679 209,724 
 
Government Employment 
 
285.5 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
279.3 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
273.1 
 
Month 2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
268,947 
 
272,817 
 
Jun 
 
264,330 
 
272,967 
 
Jul 
 
261,620 
 
270,500 
 
267.0 
 
Aug 
 
264,461 
 
268,116 
 
Sep 
 
265,399 
 
273,845 
 
Oct 
 
266,476 
 
274,057 
 
Nov 
 
267,915 
 
275,806 
 
260.8 
 
Dec 
 
267,421 
 
277,667 
 
Jan 
 
270,538 
 
276,408 
 
Feb 
 
272,243 
 
276,737 
 
M ar 
 
272,965 
 
277,134 
 
254.7 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
272,995 
 
277,181 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 7 
 
 Construction Employment 
 
128.2 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
124.0 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
119.9 
 
M ay 
 
118,011 
 
121,631 
 
Jun 
 
119,152 
 
122,045 
 
Jul 
 
119,997 
 
120,752 
 
115.8 
 
Aug 
 
119,908 
 
122,476 
 
Sep 
 
120,157 
 
121,443 
 
Oct 
 
119,460 
 
123,625 
 
Nov 
 
119,207 
 
118,467 
 
111.7 
 
Dec 
 
119,098 
 
114,719 
 
Jan 
 
119,720 
 
114,884 
 
Feb 
 
120,093 
 
115,255 
 
M ar 
 
120,265 
 
112,918 
 
107.5 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
122,183 
 
112,337 
 
Transportation and Public Utilities Employment 
 
205.7 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
198.5 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
191.2 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
184.0 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
176.8 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
169.5 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
189,770 190,148 190,386 191,791 191,839 194,155 195,982 196,488 193,645 192,909 193,073 194,821 
 
194,625 194,442 192,674 193,229 191,284 187,871 183,492 181,429 179,208 177,463 177,345 176,988 
 
Finance, Insurance and Realty Employment 
 
146.0 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
144.4 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
142.8 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
139,891 
 
143,536 
 
Jun 
 
140,235 
 
143,978 
 
Jul 
 
140,957 
 
142,551 
 
141.2 
 
Aug 
 
141,114 
 
142,019 
 
Sep 
 
140,117 
 
141,658 
 
Oct 
 
140,662 
 
142,105 
 
Nov 
 
140,820 
 
141,056 
 
139.6 
 
Dec 
 
141,060 
 
140,207 
 
Jan 
 
141,392 
 
140,850 
 
Feb 
 
141,711 
 
142,382 
 
M ar 
 
142,343 
 
142,397 
 
138.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
143,418 
 
140,431 
 
8 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Business Services Employment 
 
254.6 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
240.9 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
227.3 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
229,320 
 
225,539 
 
Jun 
 
231,241 
 
222,177 
 
Jul 
 
233,704 
 
223,289 
 
213.6 
 
Aug 
 
236,420 
 
222,957 
 
Sep 
 
237,307 
 
220,140 
 
Oct 
 
237,776 
 
216,269 
 
Nov 
 
236,095 
 
204,182 
 
200.0 
 
Dec 
 
237,132 
 
204,204 
 
Jan 
 
231,751 
 
202,527 
 
Feb 
 
229,301 
 
204,004 
 
M ar 
 
229,264 
 
206,958 
 
186.3 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
226,603 
 
211,714 
 
Health Services Employment 
 
137.1 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
133.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
130.3 
 
M ay 
 
124,598 
 
129,493 
 
Jun 
 
125,192 
 
130,653 
 
Jul 
 
124,415 
 
130,221 
 
126.9 
 
Aug 
 
125,192 
 
129,892 
 
Sep 
 
125,420 
 
130,478 
 
Oct 
 
126,221 
 
132,458 
 
Nov 
 
126,427 
 
131,142 
 
123.5 
 
Dec 
 
126,414 
 
131,098 
 
Jan 
 
125,934 
 
130,877 
 
Feb 
 
126,943 
 
133,077 
 
M ar 
 
127,363 
 
132,974 
 
120.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
128,711 
 
132,493 
 
Social Services Employment 
36.1 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
34.8 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
33.5 
 
M ay 
 
31,248 
 
32,021 
 
Jun 
 
31,188 
 
31,950 
 
Jul 
 
31,063 
 
32,622 
 
32.1 
 
Aug 
 
31,460 
 
32,100 
 
Sep 
 
31,333 
 
32,960 
 
Oct 
 
31,405 
 
33,386 
 
Nov 
 
31,509 
 
33,895 
 
30.8 
 
Dec 
 
31,932 
 
33,752 
 
Jan 
 
32,180 
 
34,620 
 
Feb 
 
32,164 
 
34,550 
 
M ar 
 
32,188 
 
34,644 
 
29.4 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
32,128 
 
34,711 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
9 
 
 Manufacturing Workweek 
 
41.4 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
HOURS 
 
40.6 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
39.8 M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
39.0 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
38.2 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
37.3 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2000-2001 
40.4 40.0 39.5 39.8 38.8 39.9 39.3 39.0 39.1 38.9 38.9 38.4 
 
2001-2002 
39.6 40.1 38.8 39.6 39.8 38.6 38.9 38.9 38.9 39.3 40.3 39.4 
 
Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$603 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$586 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$569 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
$552.27 
 
$561.95 
 
Jun 
 
552.51 
 
575.65 
 
Jul 
 
547.47 
 
555.90 
 
$552 
 
Aug 
 
560.32 
 
561.00 
 
Sep 
 
548.43 
 
569.47 
 
Oct 
 
569.35 
 
544.90 
 
Nov 
 
563.98 
 
543.04 
 
$535 
 
Dec 
 
552.40 
 
559.84 
 
Jan 
 
550.79 
 
552.14 
 
Feb 
 
553.01 
 
578.59 
 
M ar 
 
551.74 
 
580.85 
 
$519 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
541.22 
 
562.96 
 
Deflated Manufacturing Earnings 
 
$339 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$330 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$321 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
$322.02 
 
$316.23 
 
Jun 
 
319.74 
 
323.40 
 
Jul 
 
316.82 
 
313.18 
 
$312 
 
Aug 
 
324.64 
 
316.06 
 
Sep 
 
315.73 
 
319.39 
 
Oct 
 
327.21 
 
306.64 
 
Nov 
 
323.94 
 
306.11 
 
$303 
 
Dec 
 
317.47 
 
316.83 
 
Jan 
 
314.56 
 
311.77 
 
Feb 
 
314.57 
 
325.42 
 
M ar 
 
313.13 
 
324.86 
 
$294 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
305.95 
 
313.11 
 
10 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Initial Unemployment Claims 
25.5 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
20.4 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
15.3 
 
M ay 
 
6,705 
 
11,798 
 
Jun 
 
7,552 
 
10,967 
 
Jul 
 
6,861 
 
11,834 
 
10.2 
 
Aug 
 
8,219 
 
13,049 
 
Sep 
 
7,057 
 
12,523 
 
Oct 
 
7,534 
 
19,180 
 
Nov 
 
7,795 
 
17,429 
 
5.1 
 
Dec 
 
8,228 
 
13,885 
 
Jan 
 
11,539 
 
14,616 
 
Feb 
 
10,223 
 
12,464 
 
M ar 
 
10,221 
 
13,598 
 
0.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
10,910 
 
14,740 
 
Continued Unemployment Claims 
 
288.5 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
230.8 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
173.1 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
65,495 
 
104,108 
 
Jun 
 
56,248 
 
109,620 
 
Jul 
 
61,750 
 
124,874 
 
115.4 
 
Aug 
 
59,873 
 
123,371 
 
Sep 
 
59,470 
 
131,061 
 
Oct 
 
73,196 
 
190,425 
 
Nov 
 
59,977 
 
164,254 
 
57.7 
 
Dec 
 
61,431 
 
189,033 
 
Jan 
 
78,839 
 
166,026 
 
Feb 
 
80,310 
 
181,110 
 
M ar 
 
76,932 
 
168,001 
 
0.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
110,332 
 
219,796 
 
Total Unemployment Rate 
5.7 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
4.9 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
4.1 May 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
3.3 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
2.5 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
Mar 
 
1.7 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2000-2001 
2.9 % 3.5 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.6 2.6 2.9 3.1 3.0 2.8 
 
2001-2002 
3.0 % 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.8 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.4 4.7 4.7 4.4 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 11 
 
 iInsured Unemployment Rate 
 
2.63 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
2.11 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 1.59 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
1.07 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
0.55 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
0.03 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
MMARTA Passengers 
 
2000-2001 
0.63 % 0.65 0.66 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.69 0.78 0.82 0.88 0.93 1.02 
 
2001-2002 
1.13 % 1.23 1.35 1.44 1.68 1.75 2.01 1.99 2.00 2.02 2.06 2.07 
 
7.8 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
MILLIONS 
 
7.2 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
6.6 
 
M ay 
 
6,658,000 
 
6,572,000 
 
Jun 
 
7,043,000 
 
6,512,000 
 
Jul 
 
6,032,000 
 
5,481,000 
 
6.0 
 
Aug 
 
6,681,000 
 
6,196,000 
 
Sep 
 
6,565,000 
 
5,994,000 
 
Oct 
 
6,566,000 
 
6,043,000 
 
Nov 
 
6,505,000 
 
5,916,000 
 
5.4 
 
Dec 
 
6,126,000 
 
5,760,000 
 
Jan 
 
6,600,000 
 
5,645,000 
 
Feb 
 
6,228,000 
 
5,621,000 
 
M ar 
 
6,378,000 
 
5,408,000 
 
Apr 4.8 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
6,335,000 
 
5,861,000 
 
Cobb Community Transit Passengers 
 
235.9 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
205.7 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
THOUSANDS 
 
175.6 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
195,133 
 
168,529 
 
Jun 
 
125,437 
 
177,233 
 
Jul 
 
126,747 
 
176,523 
 
145.4 
 
Aug 
 
136,845 
 
189,661 
 
Sep 
 
132,248 
 
173,058 
 
Oct 
 
138,910 
 
187,596 
 
Nov 
 
137,090 
 
193,266 
 
115.2 
 
Dec 
 
123,707 
 
172,187 
 
Jan 
 
141,285 
 
186,592 
 
Feb 
 
130,075 
 
170,281 
 
M ar 
 
174,076 
 
165,386 
 
85.0 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
147,888 
 
172,867 
 
12 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Residential Construction 
7.5 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
6.6 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
HOUSEHOLD UNITS ( THOUSANDS ) 
 
Month 
 
5.8 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
4.9 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
4.1 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
3.2 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2000-2001 
5,753 5,465 5,312 5,211 5,066 4,282 5,083 5,011 5,949 6,144 5,089 5,201 
 
2001-2002 
5,799 6,447 5,390 5,358 4,915 4,939 4,686 4,826 5,226 5,070 5,286 5,787 
 
Nonresidential Construction 
 
$710 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$570 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
$430 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
$392,505,000 $312,898,000 
 
Jun 
 
561,138,000 
 
299,961,000 
 
Jul 
 
254,659,000 
 
351,753,000 
 
$290 
 
Aug 
 
262,446,000 
 
306,256,000 
 
Sep 
 
387,210,000 
 
326,715,000 
 
Oct 
 
351,400,000 
 
347,295,000 
 
Nov 
 
263,093,000 
 
450,041,000 
 
$150 
 
Dec 
 
343,026,000 
 
186,475,000 
 
Jan 
 
354,911,000 
 
332,767,000 
 
Feb 
 
324,993,000 
 
347,867,000 
 
M ar 
 
315,487,000 
 
170,535,000 
 
$10 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
430,876,000 
 
314,321,000 
 
Deflated Nonresidential Construction 
 
$426 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
$342 
 
Monthly Data 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
MILLIONS 
 
$258 
 
Month 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
M ay 
 
$228,866,000 $176,082,000 
 
Jun 
 
324,733,000 
 
168,517,000 
 
Jul 
 
147,372,000 
 
198,171,000 
 
$174 
 
Aug 
 
152,054,000 
 
172,539,000 
 
Sep 
 
222,919,000 
 
183,239,000 
 
Oct 
 
201,954,000 
 
195,439,000 
 
Nov 
 
151,116,000 
 
253,687,000 
 
$90 
 
Dec 
 
197,141,000 
 
105,532,000 
 
Jan 
 
202,690,000 
 
187,898,000 
 
Feb 
 
184,865,000 
 
195,651,000 
 
M ar 
 
179,051,000 
 
95,378,000 
 
$6 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
243,570,000 
 
174,817,000 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
13 
 
 Hotel Occupancy 
76.4 2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
69.9 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
63.3 
 
M ay 
 
64.79 % 
 
64.03 % 
 
Jun 
 
67.60 
 
65.04 
 
Jul 
 
68.51 
 
61.16 
 
56.7 
 
Aug 
 
66.95 
 
63.66 
 
Sep 
 
67.40 
 
51.34 
 
Oct 
 
65.82 
 
58.12 
 
Nov 
 
64.76 
 
55.98 
 
50.2 
 
Dec 
 
60.70 
 
55.29 
 
Jan 
 
65.05 
 
59.85 
 
Feb 
 
64.85 
 
59.54 
 
M ar 
 
66.92 
 
61.04 
 
43.6 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
63.47 
 
61.54 
 
Average Hotel Room Rates 
$88 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
DOLLARS 
 
$83 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month $79 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
$75 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
$71 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
$67 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
$78.01 78.64 80.99 78.41 82.28 79.89 79.24 75.75 82.53 80.68 81.33 78.87 
 
$81.42 81.28 77.39 79.49 72.01 78.51 74.70 73.52 77.81 75.67 81.37 79.05 
 
Deflated Average Hotel Room Rates 
$51 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
$48 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Seasonally Adjusted 
 
DOLLARS 
 
Month $45 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
$42 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
$40 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
$37 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
2000-2001 
$45.49 45.51 46.87 45.43 47.37 45.92 45.51 43.53 47.13 45.89 46.15 44.59 
 
2001-2002 
$45.82 45.66 43.60 44.78 40.39 44.18 42.11 41.61 43.93 42.56 45.51 43.96 
 
14 Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
 Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.38 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
8.65 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.92 
 
7.19 
 
6.46 
 
5.73 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
Average 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate* 
9.10 2000-2001 2001-2002 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
* Does not include points 
 
2000-2001 
8.55 % 8.26 8.16 8.04 7.95 7.81 7.79 7.45 7.17 7.13 7.02 7.11 
 
2001-2002 
7.22 % 7.22 7.18 7.01 6.82 6.62 6.72 7.17 7.03 6.85 7.00 6.96 
 
8.33 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
7.57 
 
6.80 
 
6.04 
 
5.27 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
* Does not include points 
 
Average One-Year Adjustable Mortgage Rate* 
 
8.46 
 
2000-2001 
 
2001-2002 
 
Monthly Data 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
Month 
 
2000-2001 
 
M ay 
 
8.27 % 
 
Jun 
 
8.01 
 
Jul 
 
7.87 
 
Aug 
 
7.78 
 
Sep 
 
7.63 
 
Oct 
 
7.48 
 
Nov 
 
7.45 
 
Dec 
 
7.09 
 
Jan 
 
6.74 
 
Feb 
 
6.73 
 
M ar 
 
6.59 
 
Apr 
 
6.62 
 
2001-2002 
6.70 % 6.77 6.73 6.53 6.35 6.15 6.24 6.65 6.52 6.37 6.55 6.49 
 
7.53 
 
Monthly Data 
 
Not Seasonally Adjusted 
 
PERCENTAGES 
 
Month 
 
6.60 
 
M ay 
 
Jun 
 
Jul 
 
5.67 
 
Aug 
 
Sep 
 
Oct 
 
Nov 
 
4.74 
 
Dec 
 
Jan 
 
Feb 
 
M ar 
 
3.81 
 
Apr 
 
M 
 
J 
 
J 
 
A 
 
S 
 
O 
 
N 
 
D 
 
J 
 
F 
 
M 
 
A 
 
* Does not include points 
 
2000-2001 
7.09 % 7.22 7.26 7.35 7.34 7.14 7.06 6.92 6.50 6.22 6.00 5.83 
 
2001-2002 
5.79 % 5.71 5.67 5.57 5.38 5.05 5.05 5.26 4.99 4.84 4.98 4.92 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Metro Atlanta Economic Indicators / June 2002 15 
 
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