Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you gearing up for a job search in 2026?
If so, you might be anxious about the state of your local job market or curious about how it compares to other cities. Job markets can vary significantly even within the same state, making job hunting in certain areas a breeze while others can be quite challenging.
At Zippia, we analyze data to help you navigate your job search effectively. We’ve examined the latest statistics to identify where in Georgia it’s currently easiest to find employment.
Here are the ten hottest job markets in Georgia for 2026.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In Georgia
- Peachtree
- Alpharetta
- Suwanee
- Smyrna
- Dunwoody
- Milton
- Sandy Springs
- Kennesaw
- Atlanta
- Brookhaven
This list highlights the ten cities where job seekers are currently finding the most opportunities in Georgia. If your city isn’t listed, continue reading for a complete breakdown of the job market rankings.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in Georgia
To determine the most favorable job markets, we utilized the latest data from the Census American Community Survey, focusing on Georgia’s primary metro areas with a civilian workforce exceeding 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a key indicator of the local job market, it doesn’t tell the whole story. To gain a comprehensive understanding, we evaluated each metro area across four key metrics:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
A lower score in each category signifies a stronger job market. For instance, if a region has the lowest unemployment rate, it ranks first in that category. The final rankings average these scores, providing an overall perspective on job market strength.
1. Peachtree
Unemployment Rate: 3.92%
Average Income: $127,860
2. Alpharetta
Unemployment Rate: 4.63%
Average Income: $143,873
3. Suwanee
Unemployment Rate: 3.18%
Average Income: $105,241
4. Smyrna
Unemployment Rate: 4.29%
Average Income: $100,886
5. Dunwoody
Unemployment Rate: 3.39%
Average Income: $125,060
6. Milton
Unemployment Rate: 3.22%
Average Income: $187,229
7. Sandy Springs
Unemployment Rate: 3.56%
Average Income: $127,507
8. Kennesaw
Unemployment Rate: 5.05%
Average Income: $85,657
9. Atlanta
Unemployment Rate: 7.68%
Average Income: $98,575
10. Brookhaven
Unemployment Rate: 2.46%
Average Income: $133,865
Measuring the Best Job Markets in Georgia
You may be wondering, ‘Why is my job search in a different city going poorly?’ It’s essential to remember that while some areas have booming job markets, individual experiences can vary significantly.
Factors like education, experience, and industry play a substantial role in job acquisition. However, overall, job seekers in the top-ranking areas are likely to find more opportunities than those in lower-ranked regions.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in Georgia
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peachtree | 3.92% |
| 2 | Alpharetta | 4.63% |
| 3 | Suwanee | 3.18% |
| 4 | Smyrna | 4.29% |
| 5 | Dunwoody | 3.39% |
| 6 | Milton | 3.22% |
| 7 | Sandy Springs | 3.56% |
| 8 | Kennesaw | 5.05% |
| 9 | Atlanta | 7.68% |
| 10 | Brookhaven | 2.46% |
| 11 | Richmond Hill | 7.03% |
| 12 | Pooler | 6.64% |
| 13 | Marietta | 5.24% |
| 14 | Sugar Hill | 4.67% |
| 15 | Roswell | 3.3% |
| 16 | Chamblee | 4.37% |
| 17 | Holly Springs | 7.5% |
| 18 | Woodstock | 2.93% |
| 19 | Doraville | 3.54% |
| 20 | Decatur | 4.65% |
| 21 | Cartersville | 5.74% |
| 22 | Kingsland | 6.31% |
| 23 | Mcdonough | 7.27% |
| 24 | Johns Creek | 5.05% |
| 25 | Duluth | 4.75% |
| 26 | Warner Robins | 6.98% |
| 27 | Villa Rica | 7.82% |
| 28 | College Park | 10.24% |
| 29 | St. Marys | 7.86% |
| 30 | Peachtree Corners | 4.3% |
| 31 | Newnan | 4.76% |
| 32 | Tucker | 6.05% |
| 33 | Carrollton | 10.29% |
| 34 | Snellville | 4.15% |
| 35 | Lilburn | 3.54% |
| 36 | Rome | 7.64% |
| 37 | Brunswick | 8.33% |
| 38 | Norcross | 4.8% |
| 39 | Loganville | 6.97% |
| 40 | Stockbridge | 8.53% |
| 41 | Gainesville | 3.17% |
| 42 | Tifton | 2.25% |
| 43 | Powder Springs | 7.06% |
| 44 | Buford | 2.43% |
| 45 | Columbus | 9.25% |
| 46 | Lawrenceville | 6.78% |
| 47 | Calhoun | 4.02% |
| 48 | Athens-Clarke County | 6.46% |
| 49 | Forest Park | 11.27% |
| 50 | Winder | 4.82% |
| 51 | Riverdale | 9.3% |
| 52 | Acworth | 6.19% |
| 53 | Moultrie | 10.13% |
| 54 | Valdosta | 8.21% |
| 55 | Dublin | 5.17% |
| 56 | Americus | 13.05% |
| 57 | Canton | 7.62% |
| 58 | Union | 8.85% |
| 59 | Fairburn | 6.0% |
| 60 | Perry | 14.42% |
| 61 | Milledgeville | 15.92% |
| 62 | Covington | 8.75% |
| 63 | Clarkston | 10.17% |
| 64 | Fayetteville | 6.85% |
| 65 | Savannah | 9.99% |
| 66 | Dalton | 7.01% |
| 67 | Stonecrest | 10.09% |
| 68 | Albany | 15.14% |
| 69 | Dallas | 2.16% |
| 70 | Conyers | 10.78% |
| 71 | Griffin | 7.64% |
| 72 | Douglasville | 9.2% |
| 73 | Macon-Bibb County | 8.83% |
| 74 | Monroe | 11.76% |
| 75 | East Point | 8.6% |
| 76 | Augusta-Richmond County | 10.34% |
| 77 | South Fulton | 9.26% |
| 78 | Thomasville | 8.02% |
| 79 | Lagrange | 8.2% |
| 80 | Statesboro | 12.26% |
| 81 | Hinesville | 11.3% |
As you explore job opportunities across Georgia, keep in mind the nuances of each local market and leverage the insights from this data to enhance your job search strategy. Understanding where the job demand is strongest can help you focus your efforts and increase your chances of securing a position that matches your skills and aspirations.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
