Metro Dalton’s unemployment rate was unchanged from June to July at 5.4 percent. In July 2016, the rate was 6.5 percent.
“While Metro Dalton’s rate was unchanged, 501 more people went back to work,” said Commissioner Mark Butler. “It’s great to see Dalton’s economy growing. Since July 2016, Dalton has gained 500 jobs, a 0.7 percent growth rate.”
Metro Dalton’s over-the-year job growth came mostly in manufacturing.
From June to July, Metro Dalton lost 200 jobs, a 0.3 percent decline, which decreased the total number of jobs to 70,600
In June, Metro Dalton added jobs,” said Comm. Butler. “Due to the fact that a lot of summer jobs are held by students, it’s not surprising to see the July decline in jobs, especially with the earlier school start dates this year.”
Unemployment claims were up by 36, or 6.5 percent, to 591. Claims were up in construction and wholesale trade. Over the year, claims were down by 972, or 62.2 percent, from 1,563 in July 2016.
The total number of employed residents in Metro Dalton rose by 501 to 60,167 from June to July.
“There were 883 more Metro Dalton residents employed than in July 2016,” said Comm. Butler. “I’m pleased to see we have more people in Dalton employed and contributing to Georgia’s continued environment of economic opportunity.”
Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com, showed 752 new active job postings in Dalton for July.