Bartow, Regional, State Unemployment Ticks Up

In line with that of northwest Georgia, 's unadjusted unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 10.8 in August from 10.7 in July. It was 11.3 percent the same month last year, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate for northwest Georgia also increased—to 10.7 percent in August, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 10.6 percent in July. The jobless rate in the area in August a year ago was also 10.7 percent.

Likewise, the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in metro Atlanta increased to 10.4 percent in August, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 10.3 percent in July. A year ago, it also was 10.4 percent.

That rate increased due to more layoffs in construction, trade, administrative and support services, and accommodation and food services, officials say.

The lowest area rates, at 7.8 percent, were recorded in Athens and Warner Robins, while the highest, at 12.7 percent, was in the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha area near Dublin.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent in July, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 10.1 percent in July. The state’s jobless rate was also 10.2 percent in August a year ago. The increase is because about 5,500 new job seekers, as well as more of those already unemployed, were unable to find work.

August marked the 49th consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9.1 percent, unchanged from July.