Employment increased in half of Georgia’s 12 largest counties between March 2024 and March 2025, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Henry County saw the most significant employment growth at 1.4 percent, while Clayton County experienced the largest decline with a decrease of 2.3 percent.
Fulton County had the highest employment level among these counties, with 944,900 employed as of March 2025. The combined workforce in Georgia’s 12 largest counties represented nearly 59 percent of all covered employment in the state. Across the country, large counties—defined as those with annual average employment above 75,000—accounted for more than 73 percent of total covered employment.
Most large counties in Georgia reported higher average weekly wages compared to the previous year. DeKalb County led wage gains with a rise of 6.4 percent. Ten other large counties recorded increases ranging from 0.1 percent to 5.6 percent; Muscogee County was the only one to post a loss, down by one percent.
In terms of absolute weekly wages, three of Georgia’s largest counties exceeded the national average weekly wage of $1,589: Fulton ($2,284), Cobb ($1,655), and Gwinnett ($1,597). Henry County reported an average weekly wage of $1,018.
For smaller counties—those employing fewer than 75,000 people—Burke County had the highest average weekly wage at $2,054 while Clay County had the lowest at $655. Most small counties (146 out of 147) posted wages below the national average.
Statewide data showed that among all Georgia counties, most reported average weekly wages below $1,100. Specifically: 44 counties were under $875; another 42 ranged from $875 to $949; and just over thirty had wages exceeding $1,100 per week.
Comprehensive data on state-level and nationwide county employment and wages are available through BLS releases and on their website.
“Employment rose in 6 of the 12 largest counties in Georgia from March 2024 to March 2025,” said Victoria G. Lee, Regional Commissioner for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
