In the first quarter of 2025, Georgia’s unemployment rate rose to 14.7%, marking a 0.7 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to newly released labor market data.

Despite an overall increase in hired employment by 5,300 persons (0.6%) to a total of 958,300, the number of self-employed individuals declined by 13,500 (3.0%), bringing the total to 434,700. Simultaneously, the number of unemployed persons rose by 10,800 (4.7%), reaching 239,400.

Key Labor Market Indicators – Q1 2025:

• Labour Force Participation Rate: 54.8%
  (Down 0.2 percentage points year-over-year)

• Employment Rate: 46.8%
  (Down 0.5 percentage points)

• Share of Hired in Total Employment: 68.8%
  (Up 0.8 percentage points)

Urban vs. Rural Breakdown:

• Unemployment Rate:

  • Urban areas: ↑ 1.4 percentage points

  • Rural areas: ↓ 0.6 percentage points

• Employment Rate:

  • Urban areas: ↓ 1.0 percentage point (to 47.8%)

  • Rural areas: ↑ 0.1 percentage point (to 45.3%)

Gender Disparities:

• Unemployment Rate:

  • Women: ↑ 0.5 percentage points to 11.6%

  • Men: ↑ 0.7 percentage points to 17.0%

• Labour Force Participation Rate:

  • Women: 44.4% (↓ 0.6 percentage points)

  • Men: 66.5% (unchanged)

• Employment Rate:

  • Women: ↓ 0.8 percentage points

  • Men: ↓ 0.4 percentage points

The figures reflect a complex picture of Georgia’s labor market, with a slight rise in formal employment offset by declines in self-employment and broader workforce engagement. While urban areas saw rising unemployment and falling employment rates, rural areas experienced marginal improvements, suggesting uneven economic dynamics across the country.

The data underscores the continuing challenges in achieving balanced labor market growth and highlights the need for targeted policy responses to improve employment opportunities and workforce participation, especially among women and urban populations.