Labor force hits all-time high in Rabun County, unemployment rate remains lowest in Georgia

The Georgia Mountains region which includes Rabun County proved to set new records this month as the labor force hit an all-time high.

According to Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler, June proved to be a booming month for the job industry as summer job seekers hit the market.

However, with the labor force growing faster than could be absorbed through hiring, the unemployment rate also ticked up for the month. Still, all indicators remain positive for the year according to the Department of Labor.

The commissioner explained that despite an increase in the unemployment rate, he remains confident about the overall job market.

“The Georgia job market is very strong,” said Butler. “An increase in the unemployment rate is common this time of year due to an increase in high school and college graduates entering the workforce.”

The Georgia Mountains labor force ended June at 352,405, up 10,880 over the last year to an all-time high. That number is up 2,471 over the last month, nearly three times the monthly average increase over the year.

As a result of this spike in the labor force, the unemployment rate in the Georgia Mountains region increased by .7 percent to 3.6 percent. It was 4.3 percent a year ago.

On a more positive note, this is the lowest unemployment rate of all 12 regions in the state which can be directly attributed to new businesses setting up shop such as ELK Group International (ELK).

ELK, a premier designer, and importer of indoor and outdoor, residential and commercial lighting fixtures and home decor, brought more than 100 jobs to their new Rabun Gap distribution point which certainly contributed to strengthening the labor force locally.

“Matching our needs with that of the local community was vital. The Development Authority of Rabun County, Board of Commissioners, and the State of Georgia were very supportive as we strived toward that goal.” stated Todd Webb, COO of ELK. “The location will support our continued expansion and aligns with our commitment to optimize distribution for our customer base while supporting the surrounding communities.”

The Georgia Mountains region includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 1,248 active job postings in the Georgia Mountains region for June.