The most recent labor numbers in Augusta show year-over-year gains and increases in weekly earnings, the labor force, and the Augusta Labor Market Index.
(LMI) increased by 0.12 percent in January from December. It is 0.92 percent higher than a year ago.
All components of the LMI increased or remained level in January from December. Employment rose to 254,000 as reported last week, an increase of 200 from December. The unemployment rate remained at 4.5%. The labor force increased by over 2,000 persons. Average weekly earnings increased by $47 to a record $1,286.40. Hours worked increased by 6 minutes to stand at 33.5.
This is the first month since July 2025 that there were no adverse movements in any of the LMI components. The chart below shows strong and consistent growth since March 2024.
The long-run average annual percentage change in the LMI is 0.3 percent. The year-on-year change since April 2024 has always far exceeded the long-term average, showing a robust local labor market over the last two years.
