Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted June unemployment rate is 2.6%. That is down from May’s rate of 2.7% and below June 2021’s rate of 3.5%. This rate marks a new series low for the third consecutive month.
June’s rate represents 60,338 unemployed persons, a new record low, compared to 61,585 in May and 79,439 in June 2021.
“The good news continues to roll in as we reach another unemployment milestone of 2.6%,” said Ivey. “For the third consecutive month, Alabama has set a record-low unemployment rate. Alabama is working like never before, and the future continues to look brighter for our state and her people.”
The number of Alabamians counted as employed rose to a new record high of 2,228,231 in June. This is up 5,306 from May and up 59,902 from June 2021.
Over the year, the number of Alabamians that are employed has increased by 41,200. The biggest gains were in the trade, transportation and utilities sector which picked up 7,200 jobs. That was followed by the construction sector with over 7,000 more jobs and the manufacturing sector with +6,700.
Wage and salary employment is up in June alone by 5,700 jobs. The largest monthly gains were seen in the education and health services sector (+3,700), the leisure and hospitality sector (+2,800) and the manufacturing sector (+1,700), among others.
The counties with the lowest unemployment rates: Shelby County at 2.3%, Marshall and Cullman Counties at 2.6%, and Morgan, Madison, Limestone, and Elmore Counties at 2.7%.
The counties with the highest unemployment rates: Wilcox County at 10.1%, Perry County at 8.3%, and Lowndes County at 7.5%.
The major cities with the lowest unemployment rate: Trussville at 2.0%, Vestavia Hills at 2.1%, and Alabaster and Madison at 2.2%.
The major cities with the highest unemployment rates: Selma at 8.7%, Prichard at 7.3% and Bessemer at 5.2%.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted labor force participation rate is 57.2%, down from May’s 57.4% and up from June 2021’s 56.6%. The state still trails the national average of 62.2%.
For persons who are out of the labor force but would like to get a job, there are numerous opportunities available. One can apply directly with many employers or visit one of Alabama’s 49 career centers to apply or to learn about job training opportunities in your area.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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