Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Hinesville added to the labor force in December.

At the same time, Hinesville maintained annual growth in all critical measures across the two-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).    

“Georgia had a very good year economically speaking in 2018,” Butler said. “As I look back over the year, our state added to its workforce, employed more residents and increased jobs. Many of our local communities set records.”

The unemployment rate for December, at 4 percent, was up 0.4 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.8 percent.

The labor force in Hinesville grew by 114 in December to reach 33,736. That number is up by 119 over the past year.

Hinesville lost 34 employed residents in December, pushing the total to 32,373. The number is up 364 for the year, or 30 per month.

Jobs fell by 100 in December to 20,800. The job total in Hinesville is up 300 over the year – an average monthly increase of 25.

Claims for unemployment insurance increased by 12 percent in December. They were down by 19 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 234 active job postings in metro Hinesville for December.

The Hinesville metropolitan statistical areas cover Liberty and Long counties.

Visit dol.georgia.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers and to connect with us on social media.