According to Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington, the labor force participation rate for March remained unchanged from the previous month at 57.4%.
The percentage of prime-age workers slightly increased by two-tenths of a percentage point to 78.9% over the month. Over the year, this number increased by 1.5% from 77.4%.
Prime-age workers are those 25-54 years old.
"The number of prime-age people that are holding down jobs continues to increase," Washington said. "That number is very close to a full 80 percent of prime-age individuals working. We remain hopeful that this trend will continue throughout the year, especially as the state works to raise its overall labor force participation rate."
Alabama's preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3%, unchanged from February 2024's revised rate and a year-over-year increase from March 2023's rate of 2.3%.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 2.3%, Morgan, Marshall, and Cullman Counties at 2.5%, and Madison, Limestone, Elmore, and Autauga Counties at 2.6%. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 8.8%, Perry County at 6%, and Greene County at 5.9%.
Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Vestavia Hills at 2%, Alabaster, Homewood, and Madison at 2.1%, and Hoover and Trussville at 2.2%. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Selma at 6.5%, Prichard at 5.7%, and Bessemer and Mobile at 4.3%.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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