UGA experts predict good year for Georgia economy

Experts at the University of Georgia are predicting a good year for the Georgia economy.

A report by Matt Weeks on the school website says experts say in 2018 the Georgia economy will match its performance in 2017 propelled by economic development projects, solid population growth and a housing recovery.

It say Georgia's unemployment rate will below 5 percent and every metro area in the state will add jobs.

The report was delivered to about 600 representatives of business and government at a meeting in Atlanta Thursday.

Benjamin Ayers, dean of the Terry College of Business at UGA, was on hand for the 35th annual Georgia Economic Outlook. The forecast was prepared by the Selig Center for Economic Growth.

According to the report, speakers said Georgia's growth rate will outpace the national average in 2018. The state's employment will rise by 2 percent nearly twice the 1.1 percent gain expected nationally.

The personal income of Georgians will grow by 5.8 percent, higher than the national average of 5.5 percent.

"The main factors that contributed to growth over the last few years will continue to do so in 2018," Ayers said.

The report says the fastest job growth is expected to be in construction followed by professional and business services then leisure and hospitality.

Larry Gierer: 706-571-8581

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 4:39 PM with the headline "UGA experts predict good year for Georgia economy."