MONTGOMERY — Alabama’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.6% for the month of August, according to updated labor statistics released today.
The historically low unemployment rate sits well below August 2021’s rate of 3.3%. August’s rate represents a record low 58,958 people.
In this area, Marshall and Cullman counties posted a 2.2% rate; Limestone and Morgan counties are 2.3%; Madison County is 2.4%; Jackson and Lawrence counties are 2.7%; Lauderdale County is 2.9%; and Colbert County is 3.4%. Each of the counties’ rates are lower than they were last month and in August 2021.
The new statistics show the state’s economy continues to trend in a positive direction, according to Gov. Kay Ivey.
“Alabama continues to maintain its record setting recovery with this month’s numbers,” Ivey said in a release. “All of our metrics continue to move in the right direction, and we’re seeing more and more people joining our labor force. This positive news displays that Alabamians are confident they can land a job.
“Opportunities abound in Alabama, and we’re proud of our continued progress.”
The number of employed workers was 2,234,669 – a record high. It represents an increase of 67,881 over August 2021.
An increase in the civilian labor force last month also raised its level to a record high, gaining 52,334 people over the year to total 2,293,627.
Alabama’s expanding construction industry, Alabama Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington said, is an indication the state is growing.
“We continue to add jobs to our economy at a good pace,” said Washington. “Right now, there are around two available jobs for every unemployed person. Our construction industry is thriving, and growing construction employment generally tends to predict positive economic growth.”
The construction, education and health services, trade, transportation and utilities sectors led yearly gains in wage and salary employment.
The professional and business services, education and health services, and government sectors led the monthly wage and salary employment gains.
All 67 counties saw their unemployment rates decline over a year ago, and the unemployment in each county either held steady or declined over the month, according to the governor’s office.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are:
- Shelby County: 2.0%
- Marshall County: 2.2%
- Cullman County: 2.2%
- Morgan County: 2.3%
- Limestone County: 2.3%
- Chilton County: 2.3%
- Blount County: 2.3%
Counties with the highest unemployment rates are:
- Wilcox County: 10.0%
- Perry County: 7.4%
- Lowndes County: 7.2%
Statewide unemployment breakdown by county:
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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