Metro Atlanta, Cobb unemployment inched upward in May

Unemployment rates across the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) rose in May, according to statistics from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The 11-county commission's unemployment rate rose from 2.8% to 3.2% from April to May. Last May, the unemployment rate was also 3.2% for the ARC.

The ARC is made up of Cobb, Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties.

In Cobb County, unemployment reached 2.9% in May, up from 2.6% in April. Unemployment is down from last May, however, when the rate reached 3%.

The labor force in Cobb, meaning people 16-years-old and above who are either employed or seeking employment, increased by about 2,000 people from April to May, reaching 429,455 people, according to labor department statistics.

According to the labor department, the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses 29 counties including Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett, recorded an all-time high labor force in May, despite the unemployment rate rising to 3.2%, up from April's 2.8% in the area.

The department said unemployment typically edges up in May as graduates enter the workforce and seek jobs.

"Every May, a new wave of talent enters Georgia's workforce as thousands of graduates begin their career search. This is what a growing talent pipeline looks like, and it is why companies keep investing here year after year," Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said in a statement. "With more than 5 million jobs across our state, there is a place for every Georgian, from the graduate landing a first role to the seasoned professional taking the next step. That is the kind of opportunity you can build a life on, and we will keep it within reach in every corner of our state."

In the ARC, the labor force increased by about 8,300 people from April to May, reaching 2.74 million people.

Statewide, unemployment reached 3.2% in May, up from 2.8% in April. Compared to a year ago, unemployment rates are down from 3.3%.

In Cobb, the metro area and statewide, unemployment rates are lower than May's 4.3% national unemployment rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.