Staff Report Pierce County’s estimated unemployment rate increased by two tenths of a percent to 3.3 percent in May as graduates entered the workforce.
Pierce County’s labor statistics for April showed a total labor force of 8,053 with 7,784 employed and 269 unemployed.
Even with the increase, Pierce County’s rate was still lower than both the state unemployment rate of 3.4 percent and the national unemployment rate of 4.3 percent.
The 18-county South Georgia Region also had an overall unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in May, up five tenths of a percent over April.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said all areas of Georgia saw higher unemployment rates falling in May, due to an influx of new workers following college and high school graduations.
“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,” said Holmes. “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.”
The county, state and national rates are still near record lows.
Pierce County recorded an 8.4 percent unemployment rate in April 2020 at the peak of the shelter in place order caused by the COVID 19 virus and before businesses reopened in 2020. Georgia hit a peak of over 9 percent in unemployment in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
In addition to Pierce, the 18county South Georgia region includes Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, Turner and Ware.
Holmes was appointed as Labor Commissioner in April, 2025. She fills the vacancy left following the death of Commissioner Bruce Thompson, who died in office in November, 2024. Holmes is running for a full term in November.
