Alabama’s unemployment rate increased to 3.1% in November, according to Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Marty Redden.
The state's labor force participation rate for November remained unchanged at 57.6%.
The percentage of prime-age workers decreased by two-tenths of a percentage point to 78.9% over the month. Year over year, this number increased by half of a percentage point from 78.4%. Prime-age workers are those aged 25-54 years.
Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.1%, up from October 2024’s rate of 2.9%. November’s rate is above November 2023’s rate of 2.8%. The rate represents 73,278 unemployed persons, compared to 69,257 in October and 64,404 in November 2023.
The number of people counted as employed increased by 17,150 over the year to 2,278,876. The civilian labor force also increased to 2,352,154, a new record high, with 26,024 more people joining over the year.
“Alabama employers continue to add jobs at a record pace,” Redden said. “Only a few short years ago, our goal was to break two million wage and salary jobs. Now, we’re climbing closer and closer to two and a quarter million. This represents remarkable progress.”
Additionally, average total private weekly wages increased by $42.38 over the year to $1,065.50, a new record high.
“We’re seeing great growth in both employment and wages in Alabama,” continued Redden. “More people working and more money in their pockets is always welcome news, especially at the holidays.”
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 2.6%; Morgan County at 2.7%; and Chilton, Cullman, Madison, Marshall, and St. Clair Counties at 2.8%. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 9.3%, Clarke and Greene Counties at 6.6%, and Dallas County at 6.4%.
Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Homewood at 2.3%, Hoover and Vestavia Hills at 2.4%, and Madison at 2.5%. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Selma at 7.4%, Prichard at 5.8%, and Bessemer at 4.9%.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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