Alpharetta's Jobless Rate Remains Lowest in Metro Atlanta

Alpharetta's unemployment rate remained at 6 percent for a second straight month, the lowest rate of any city listed by the Georgia Department of Labor.

The November 2012 unemployment rate of 6.0 was lower than the November 2011 unemployment rate of 6.5.

The figures were released Thursday morning.

Neighboring Johns Creek had its unemployment rate drop by 0.2 of a percent, down to 6.7 percent in November. A year ago the unemployment rate was 7 percent.

Roswell also saw its unemployment drop by 0.2 percent to 6.1 percent. A year ago in November 2011 it was recorded as 6.9 percent.

The labor force in each of the North Fulton communities was slightly larger last month that it was in October 2012 and in the previous year.

Overall, metro Atlanta's preliminary unemployment rate declined to 8.0 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.2 percent in October.

It's down nine-tenths of a percentage point from the 8.9 percent of November 2011. The rate declined because of job growth and fewer new layoffs, represented by first time claims for unemployment insurance benefits.

There was an increase of 12,300 new jobs in metro Atlanta. There were 2,366,500 jobs in November, up five-tenths of a percentage point, from 2,354,200 in October.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.5 percent in November a year ago.

Statewide, there were 3,984,000 jobs in November, up 9,600, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,974,400 in October. Over the year, Georgia gained 61,900 jobs, or 1.6 percent, from 3,922,100 in November 2011.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us