Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Columbus, GA-AL market rose by 1,054 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Columbus, GA-AL unemployment rate is 9 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 11.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Columbus, GA-AL Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 25,200; +500
  • Transportation & Utilities: 18,500; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 17,800; +300
  • Business Services: 16,100; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 14,600; no change
  • Financial Services: 11,500; +100
  • Manufacturing: 10,400; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 4,800; no change
  • Other Jobs: 4,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,200; no change
Columbus, GA-AL Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.