Troup County, GA Key Labor Metrics
Georgia's Labor Force Participation Drops to 4-Year Low, signaling a Softening Job Market
Between January 2024 and February 2025, Georgia’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) slipped from 61.7% to 61.0%—the lowest point in more than four years.
That steady decline means fewer Georgians are working or actively job hunting, even as the state’s population keeps growing. While seasonal shifts or short-term uncertainty may play a role, the year-long downward trend suggests deeper challenges in workforce participation.
Nationally, the picture looks steadier. The U.S. LFPR held between 62.5% and 62.7% throughout the same period, putting Georgia at least 1.5 percentage points behind. It’s a growing gap that signals a uniquely local slowdown in the state’s labor market.
Georgia Employment Declines Despite Growing Labor Force
Georgia’s job market kicked off 2024 with momentum. The labor force grew steadily through the first half of the year, hitting a peak of 5.41 million people in July—meaning more folks were either working or actively looking for work. But since then, it’s been slowly slipping. By February 2025, it had dropped to 5.39 million, which could be due to seasonal factors or people stepping back from the job search.
Even as more people joined the workforce earlier in the year, employment didn’t keep up. After peaking mid-year, the number of employed Georgians has been falling month by month—down by about 20,000 jobs since July.
In short:
More people joined the labor force early in 2024—but that trend is fading.
Job growth hasn’t kept up, and layoffs or slower hiring are adding pressure.
Fewer people overall are participating in the workforce.
Georgia's Unemployment on the Rise from its third-lowest level in 50 years
Georgia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.3% through the first two months of 2024, but that early stability didn’t last. By March, the rate had started to rise—and by June, it hit 3.6%. It’s stayed there ever since, including into February 2025, according to the latest preliminary data.
That makes eight straight months at 3.6%—a clear sign that the state’s job market has cooled compared to the strong start of the year. While the increase may seem modest, it marks a shift from what had been one of the lowest unemployment levels Georgia had seen in nearly 50 years.
Even with this uptick, Georgia continues to trend below the national unemployment rate, which reached 4.1% in February 2025. Still, the flatline at 3.6% suggests that hiring momentum has slowed—and employers and job seekers alike may be feeling the effects.
Georgia Job Market - February 2025: Manufacturing Add Jobs, But the Sector is Still Shrinking
Industries Losing Jobs
Manufacturing is still feeling the heat. Even though the sector added 1,000 jobs in February, it’s down 3,100 compared to this time last year. The slow rebound could be tied to automation, shifting demand, or supply chain shakeups.
Trade, Transportation & Utilities lost 1,000 jobs last month and is still 1,600 jobs short of where it was a year ago. It’s a sign that the sector hasn’t fully bounced back and may still be dealing with weak demand or logistic bottlenecks.
Leisure & Hospitality dropped 600 jobs in February. It’s still up 300 jobs year-over-year, but that monthly dip might reflect seasonal trends or tightening consumer spending.
Government saw a small loss—down 400 jobs in February—but it’s actually one of the steadiest growers overall, with nearly 15,000 more jobs than last year.
Check out this blog for insights and updates on U.S. automotive manufacturing wages and trends.
Industries Gaining Jobs
Manufacturing is still feeling the heat. Even though the sector added 1,000 jobs in February, it’s down 3,100 compared to this time last year. The slow rebound could be tied to automation, shifting demand, or supply chain shakeups.
Construction had a decent month, adding 700 jobs in February. And while the year-over-year growth is just 100 jobs, it’s still moving in the right direction—no small feat given today’s high interest rates and project slowdowns.
Georgia's Manufacturing hits post-pandemic high, then faces steady decline
From January to April 2024, manufacturing employment in Georgia grew from 431.7K to 436.0K, reaching its highest level since April 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a sharp decline. However, after peaking in April, employment steadily declined, falling to 427.1K in December, a loss of 8,900 jobs over eight months.
In early 2025, the sector showed slight signs of stabilization. Employment rose to 424.9K in January and ticked up to a preliminary 425.9K in February. While still below the April 2024 peak, these figures suggest the pace of job losses may be slowing.
Troup County GA's Unemployment on the rise since a Historic 30-year record low
After hitting a 30-year low of 2.4% in April 2023, Troup County’s unemployment rate has been slowly climbing. It rose to 2.5% by April 2024, then jumped to a peak of 3.8% in July, before easing down to 3.2% by February 2025.
That might still seem low in the big picture, but compared to where things were a year ago, it’s a noticeable shift. The trend points to a cooling job market, possibly due to slowing demand in local industries, seasonal changes, or broader economic shifts.
What stands out is how steady the climb has been: a sharp spike in mid-2024, followed by a slow, uneven decline. Even though the rate has improved since July, it’s still above the 2.9% we saw this time last year, which suggests the county isn’t out of the woods yet.
There could be several reasons—like skill mismatches between workers and open jobs, or fewer opportunities in key sectors. So while there’s been progress, it’s clear the job market still has some catching up to do.
Troup County's Labor Force Grows Year Over Year, but Unemployment Edges Up as Job Growth Lags
In February 2025, 39,667 people in Troup County were either working or looking for work, down slightly from 39,939 in January 2025 but up from 39,166 in February 2024.
This reflects an increase of 501 people year-over-year and a decrease of 272 over the past month. The year-over-year growth suggests a continuing expansion of the labor force, potentially driven by population increases or individuals re-entering the workforce, though the monthly decline may indicate seasonal fluctuations or a temporary slowdown in labor force participation.
However, job creation is not fully keeping pace with labor force trends, contributing to fluctuations in unemployment.
Troup County’s Job Market Holds Firm Amid Rising Pressure Across the Region
As of February 2025, Troup County’s labor force has grown to 39,667—making it one of the largest in west-central Georgia. It's well ahead of neighbors like Heard, Meriwether, and Harris, though still behind Coweta and Muscogee, which both have labor forces near or above 80,000.
The county’s unemployment rate rose to 3.2%, up slightly from 2.9% the year before. That 0.3% increase is modest compared to Meriwether’s jump of 0.8 points or the 0.5-point rises seen in Coweta, Heard, and Harris. Muscogee also saw a smaller increase (+0.4%) but still holds the region’s highest unemployment rate at 4.4%.
With over 1,200 residents now unemployed, Troup may be feeling the pressure of a labor force that's growing faster than job opportunities—especially in manufacturing, which has shown signs of slowing. Still, Troup’s overall rate remains lower than several of its neighbors, suggesting the job market here, while challenged, is holding relatively steady.
Troup County's 2nd Highest Weekly Wage Among Neighbors
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Troup County has the third-largest employment base in the region at 40,115, and its average weekly wage of $1,066 puts it ahead of most nearby counties—including larger ones like Muscogee ($1,003) and Coweta ($1,007). That makes Troup a competitive player in the local job market, especially for workers coming from smaller, lower-wage areas like Harris ($884) and Meriwether ($928).
Still, wages in Troup remain well below the Georgia state average of $1,297. For local employers, that gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity—to raise pay and attract more talent in an increasingly competitive statewide market.
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Troup County's Top Industries - Q2 2024
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Troup County’s labor market is anchored by manufacturing, which makes up nearly 30% of all private-sector jobs, followed by logistics at just over 10%. These sectors offer not only stability but also long-term employment opportunities.
While industries like healthcare, finance, and construction employ fewer workers, they tend to offer stronger wage growth and career advancement potential—especially for skilled professionals.
On the other hand, retail and food services provide a large number of entry-level jobs, but these roles typically come with lower wages and limited upward mobility compared to goods-producing sectors.
Manufacturing industries in Troup County - Q2 2024
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Transportation Equipment Manufacturing is the dominant force in Troup County’s manufacturing sector, offering both high employment and wages.
Textile Product Mills is a significant job provider but lags in wages, which may impact long-term wage growth potential in this sector.
Specialized manufacturing industries (Electrical Equipment, Chemical, and Machinery) offer the highest wages but fewer jobs, indicating a need for advanced workforce training to help workers transition into these high-paying roles. Encouraging wage growth in textiles and fabricated metals can help retain workers in lower-paying sub-sectors while ensuring wage competitiveness.
Workforce development programs should focus on upskilling in high-wage, high-demand sectors like Machinery, Electrical Equipment, and Chemical Manufacturing to increase earning potential for workers.
Check out 15 fastest declining manufacturing jobs over the next decade.
Troup County Layoffs in 2024 hit highest level since 2015
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Troup County lost 160 jobs in 2024 due to permanent closures in the manufacturing and retail sectors. The largest hit came in March, when Jindal Films Americas LLC shut down its plastic film production operations, cutting 98 manufacturing jobs. Later in September, Conn Appliances, Inc. closed its doors, resulting in 62 retail job losses.
Jindal’s exit was a significant setback for local manufacturing—particularly in packaging and materials—while Conn’s closure affected front-line retail positions. The absence of new layoffs in Q1 2025 is a hopeful sign of stabilization, though it’s still too early to call a trend.
Manufacturing Dominates Among Troup County's Largest Employers
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Manufacturing anchors Troup County’s economy, with six of the top ten employers—including Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc., Hyundai Dymos Georgia, LLC, MOBIS Alabama, LLC, Duracell Manufacturing, Inc., Milliken & Company, and Interface Flooring Systems, Inc.—tied to this sector.
Kia and its supply chain partners (Hyundai Dymos, MOBIS) solidify the county’s role as an automotive hub, driving demand for skilled workers like technicians and engineers. However, this strong reliance on the auto industry makes the local job market vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the need for economic diversification.
The presence of globally recognized firms like Kia, Duracell, and Interface Flooring Systems underscores Troup County’s attractiveness for industrial investment. However, it also raises questions about the county’s dependence on external corporations and the importance of workforce development to sustain long-term growth and adaptability.
Who's coming?
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Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group is investing $288 million to open a new manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia, creating up to 267 jobs. The plant will boost production capacity to meet growing demand for Asian sauces in the Americas.
New jobs will span production, warehousing, engineering, food science, quality assurance, and administration. Hiring details will be announced soon.
This expansion strengthens Georgia’s role in food manufacturing and adds valuable job opportunities to Troup County.
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What’s Next for Troup County’s Workforce in 2025?
Troup County’s labor market is at a turning point. While workforce growth remains steady, rising unemployment and job losses in key industries highlight the need for strategic workforce development. The manufacturing sector, a major employer in the region, faces headwinds, yet new investments offer promising opportunities.
As a staffing agency with a strong local presence in LaGrange, GA, Timpl is committed to helping businesses and job seekers adapt to these changes. Connecting employers with skilled talent and providing job seekers with opportunities in high-demand sectors will be key to ensuring long-term economic growth. Moving forward, industry diversification, workforce training, and strategic hiring will play a crucial role in shaping Troup County’s job market in 2025 and beyond.
