Augusta Community Weighs In on Local Economy Trends

Augusta's real GDP has grown at roughly 1.5 percent annually since 2001, a pace below the national average of 2.2 percent, according to economic analysis from Augusta University.

The figures matter now because population and employment projections point to continued expansion in a metro area where government, health care and retail already dominate the job base. Local workers and business owners have long tracked these indicators as they shape daily decisions on housing, training and spending in neighborhoods across the city.

Industry Mix and Job Counts

Government leads with 56,772 jobs in 2023, followed by health care and social assistance at 34,751 positions and retail trade at 27,931, per city planning records. Government also produces the highest gross regional product, exceeding $7.3 billion. These sectors employ thousands who live near Fort Gordon and the Augusta University medical campus, where combined staffing at Augusta University and Piedmont Augusta surpasses 32,000.

Recent employment rose by 3,720 jobs, with forecasts calling for another 11,881 positions in the coming five years. Population added 25,619 residents in the five years ending 2023 and is projected to grow by 26,336 more through the next period, data compiled by the Augusta Economic Development Authority show.

Income and Unemployment Picture

The metro unemployment rate stood at 4.5 percent in February 2025, above the national mark, while median household income reached $68,000, or $12,200 less than the national median of $75,100. Cybersecurity activity tied to the U.S. Army Cyber Center at Fort Gordon, health care expansion and advanced manufacturing remain the main growth areas cited in regional profiles.

Community members continue to monitor these numbers as they weigh training programs and local hiring patterns. Further updates on workforce development and site selection will come from the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and city economic development offices.