The state of Alabama has once again recorded a new historic low unemployment rate, according to May’s jobs report released Friday by the governor’s office.
May’s 2.7% unemployment rate is down from April’s rate of 2.8%. The rate this time last year sat at 3.6%.
In a statement touting the updated unemployment statistics, Gov. Kay Ivey outlined the economic gains Alabama continues to notch.
“Once more, we are seeing the resiliency of Alabama’s workforce,” proclaimed Ivey. “Yet again, we’re breaking records that were set only a month ago. We’re nearly a full percentage point below the nation’s unemployment rate, we’ve been consistently ranked as the having the lowest unemployment rate in the southeast, and our wages are growing at a remarkable pace.”
“In fact, Alabama’s average weekly wages have once again reached a brand-new record high, rising by 20% since May 2019,” added the governor. “Alabamians are working, and our business community is reaping the benefits!”
The state also recorded a new low for the number of unemployed individuals, which is down to 61,621. Additionally, the number of Alabamians counted as employed reached a record high.
Alabama’s average weekly earnings grew to a new record high of $1,004.65 in May, which is an increase from $995.44 in April.
According to Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) secretary Fitzgerald Washington, the Yellowhammer State’s economy is experiencing a period of “prolonged growth.”
“All of the elements needed for positive economic growth continue to improve and are consistently breaking records,” noted Washington. “This prolonged growth bodes well for Alabama. More people have joined the labor force than at any other time this year, showing that people have confidence in their ability to find a job. More people are working, and fewer people are unemployed than ever before. I’d say these are all things to celebrate!”
Monthly wage and salary gains were led by the professional and business services sector, the construction sector, and the leisure and hospitality sector.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are as follows:
- Shelby County: 1.6%
- Marshall County: 1.8%
- Morgan County: 1.9%
- Limestone County: 1.9%
- Elmore County: 1.9%
- Cullman County: 1.9%
Counties with the highest unemployment rates are as follows:
- Wilcox County: 8.5%
- Lowndes County: 5.9%
- Perry County: 5.9%
- Dallas County: 5.4%
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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