The unemployment rate in Alabama ticked up slightly from November to 2.8%, and the labor force participation rate declined slightly from November to 56.8% in December, according to workforce statistics released by the Alabama Department of Labor on Friday.
The unemployment rate in December 2021 was 3.1%, and the labor force participation rate in December 2021 was 56.2%.
Although the 2.8% rate outpaces the national unemployment rate of 3.3% for December, Alabama lags more than five percentage points behind the national labor force participation rate of 62%.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates were Shelby County at 1.5%, Cullman County at 1.6%, and Morgan and Marshall Counties at 1.7%. Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox County at 9.1%, Clarke County at 6.6% and Dallas County at 5.3%.
Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates were Vestavia Hills and Homewood at 1.3%, Trussville, Madison, Hoover, and Alabaster at 1.4%, and Athens and Northport at 1.7%. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates were Selma at 6.3%, Prichard at 5.2% and Bessemer at 3.5%.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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