Economic Navigator: All Georgia Economic Indicators Up in Year-Over-Year Comparison
Published February 26, 2025
Providing business, community, and elected leaders with the latest and most reliable information on economic trends and implications is essential to guide informed decision making. This data aids in strategic planning efforts to increase stability in the face of national economic uncertainty.
Georgia’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in December of 2024, up from 3.2% in December of 2023. This is likely due in part to the increase in the labor force, indicating more people are actively seeking employment opportunities. Of the 79,900-person increase in the labor force, approximately 52,100 were employed and 27,000 were unemployed¹. Georgia’s unemployment rate remains below the national unemployment rate of 4%⁸.
Job postings held at a steady level through the final quarter of 2024, and have even increased slightly from the prior year, curbing the downward trend in postings over the last two years as churn from the ‘Great Resignation’ calms². The Healthcare and Social Assistance industry accounted for much of this growth, while the Information and Leisure and Hospitality industries followed closely behind¹.
Median homes sale price is up from the previous year, now at $373,000, but is lower than a recent peak in June of last year³. Infrastructure markers of GDP Manufacturing and Port of Savannah throughput are up from the previous year. Total 2024 TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit) throughput at the Port of Savannah is at 5.54 million, up significantly from last year’s total of 4.93 million⁷. Both the Appalachian Regional Port, and Colonel’s Island at the Port of Brunswick contributed notably to total port influx⁹.
Georgia is well positioned to sustain the continued economic expansion throughout the state but must continue to make investments—particularly in talent and infrastructure—to underpin the growth in these communities.
Georgia businesses continue to seek solutions to affordable and accessible child and family care options for their employees. This continues to serve as a significant barrier, as reflected in Georgia’s low labor force participation rates.
Increased activity through Georgia’s ports – coastal and inland – underscore the importance of continued logistics and infrastructure investments. Georgia’s regional communities are integral in supporting these systems. Visit the Georgia Transportation Alliance’s website to learn more.
Of all job growth and job posting activity, registered nurse occupations and nursing specialties consistently rank in the top three most in-demand both statewide and regionally. Continuing to invest in the talent pipelines, on-ramps and retention of Georgia nurses and healthcare workers continues to be critical.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation dedicates itself to producing in-depth economic analyses and actionable insights for Georgia’s businesses. Our mission is to develop policy, equip businesses, and foster economic development across the state, ensuring a prosperous future for all Georgians.
To read our newly released 2025 Economic Competitiveness Redbook click HERE.
To read our most recent Quarterly Report click HERE.
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