Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.7% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Columbus, GA-AL market declined by 366 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 3.7%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Columbus, GA-AL unemployment rate is 30 bps above the national rate which is a negative 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 October versus prior month by 5.1% 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 October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 23,300; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 18,300; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 17,300; +300
  • Business Services: 17,000; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 15,300; -100
  • Financial Services: 11,000; no change
  • Manufacturing: 10,200; no change
Columbus, GA-AL Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.