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Augusta Economy Looks Ahead to Job Growth and Sector Choices
Record employment and projected additions of 11,881 jobs set the stage for decisions on manufacturing, cybersecurity and healthcare expansion.
How we reported this
Metro Augusta recorded 238,000 employed residents in October 2025, the highest total on record, after six straight months of gains even following Hurricane Helene. The Augusta-Richmond County GA-SC MSA unemployment rate stood at 3.9 percent in the latest preliminary figures, down from 4.6 percent the prior period. These numbers come as the region prepares for an additional 11,881 jobs over the next five years.
Population and output trends
The region added 25,619 residents between 2018 and 2023 and expects another 26,336 people by 2028. Nominal GDP sits near $37 billion, expanding at 1.5 percent a year, below the national 2.2 percent pace. Median household income trails the U.S. figure of $75,100 by $12,200. Local development estimates place new capital investment at $3 billion, tied to 4,000 positions in manufacturing, data centers and distribution across the CSRA.
Augusta ranked among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in recent assessments that highlighted its economy and housing costs below national averages. Government remains the largest employer at 56,772 jobs in 2023, followed by health care and social assistance with 34,751 positions. Retail trade counted 27,931 workers and manufacturing 24,903. Manufacturing generated the highest gross regional product at $4.17 billion.
Key drivers and next decisions
Cybersecurity activity centers on the U.S. Army Cyber Center at Fort Gordon, while Augusta University and the Medical District together employ more than 32,000 people. Advanced manufacturing and military support services round out the main engines. The metro area posted a 4.5 percent unemployment rate as of February 2025, above the national mark at the time.
Leaders now weigh how to channel the projected job growth and $3 billion in projects into sustained gains. Choices include expanding training pipelines for cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing roles, coordinating site development for data centers and distribution facilities, and aligning health-care capacity with population increases. The Augusta Economic Development Authority and regional partners will track whether these steps lift real GDP growth closer to the national average while keeping unemployment below 4 percent.