Now that all the labor market data is finalized, I can reveal that the fastest-growing labor market in 2024 in Georgia was Brunswick at 2.7%. Warner Robins also recorded growth of over 2 percent. Augusta clocked in at 0.6%, just below the state average of 0.8%. Gainesville, which has seen tremendous growth over the last 15 years, recorded negative growth for 2024.
Brunswick employment increased by 1,200 (2.5%) over the year, and average weekly earnings increased by $123 or 16.8 percent. Average weekly hours worked increased by over 2 hours, and the labor force expanded by 1,000.
Warner Robins created 1,000 net jobs over the calendar year, and average weekly earnings increased by $166.70, a whopping 20 percent, to $1,000.05. Average hours worked increased by over 3 hours.
Gainesville’s labor market has grown by 15 percent from 2007, when records began. This is the fastest growth of all Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in Georgia. However, in the past year, the average weekly hours worked have fallen by 2 ½ hours. Other labor market indicators improved, but by less than other metro areas. For example, employment increased 1.1%, and average weekly earnings increased just $52, or 5.0 percent.
Augusta created 1,700 net jobs in 2024, but with an increase in the labor force of almost 4,000, some potential workers couldn’t find a job. Unemployment increased by 1.1 percentage points over the year to 4.7%, the second highest in the state after Dalton at 5.1%. All metro areas in Georgia saw unemployment rates increase in 2024. Over the year, average weekly earnings in Augusta increased by $110.50, or 10.8%, to $1,137.59, very similar to Georgia as a whole.
Publishers Note: According to www.usainflationcalculator.com, the 2024 inflation rate was 2.9%
