State reports locally a new record low for unemployment

Rates dipping down to 3 percent and less in Polk and surrounding counties

More good news for Polk County’s economic outlook as unemployment continues to drop to new record lows, and the work force continues to grow for local businesses.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler reported last week as the month of October came to a close that Polk County set a record in September for its lowest unemployment rate ever.

At the same time, the labor force and employed residents increased in September, preliminary numbers showed in a press release forwarded from the Department of Labor.

“Georgia had an amazing month in September,” said Butler. “More than half of our regions set a record for lowest unemployment rate ever. Many of our counties also posted similar numbers. Those are very strong results.”

In Polk County, the unemployment rate dropped 0.7 percentage points in September, settling at a record low 3.1%. A year ago, the rate was 3.8%. By comparison prior to the 2008 economic crisis and the recession that followed, the unemployment rate sets well below a 2006 figure of 4% unemployment.

The rate went into double digit figures locally at one point in the height of the recession, and has taken several years to stay below the 5 percent mark. It was news celebrated by County Commission Chair Jennifer Hulsey in her presentation for Polk County’s government at the State of the Community event.

The labor force in Polk County increased by 73 in September, bringing the total to 18,342. The number has decreased by 60 when compared to the same month a year ago.

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points in September to 3.5%. The nation also grew its labor force, increased the number of employed residents and added more 130,000 jobs.

Georgia’s unemployment rate also fell 0.1 percentage points in September to reach 3.5 percent. A year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate sat at 3.7%. The state’s all-time low of 3.4% was set in December 2000.

Around Polk County, rates remained low as well. Bartow County’s rate sat at 2.9 percent, compared to the 3.5 percent revised figures for August 2019. Floyd and Gordon counties to the north were at 3.3% and 2.8% respectively, and Haralson sat at a flat 3% for the month of September. In Paulding County, the rate sat at 2.6% for the month.

Rates fell across all 12 of Georgia’s planning regions. Seven set a record for lowest rates ever.

Polk County added 198 employed residents in September, bringing the total to 17,774. The number is up 75 for the year.

Claims for unemployment insurance were up by about 53 percent in September. They were up by about 61 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.