Economists paint ‘sobering’ picture for 2026, with slower growth expected in Georgia too

Economists are offering a “sobering” forecast for 2026, marking the second consecutive year of slowed growth across both Georgia and the U.S. at large. The state’s economy is projected to grow 1.5% in 2026, only marginally better than the 1.3% growth expected nationally, according to economists at the University of Georgia.

During a 2026 Georgia Economic Outlook presentation in downtown Atlanta Wednesday, interim Terry College of Business dean Santanu Chatterjee told business leaders that Georgia’s economy grew by roughly 3% in 2025. But heading into 2026, he said, growth will be slower as a result of “uncertainty” around trade policies, slowing population growth, labor force declines, and slower national economic growth.

Unemployment is also expected to be on the rise, with Georgia’s rates estimated to climb to 4.1%, an increase of half a percentage point. National unemployment is expected to sit at 4.7%, up from the current 4.4%. Inflation is expected to hover around 3.5%, up from 3% in September.