Alabama’s economy showed continued strength in November as the state’s unemployment rate declined and wage and salary employment reached a new record high, according to data released by the Alabama Department of Workforce.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.7% in November, down from 3.3% during the same month last year. The decline reflects a significant reduction in the number of unemployed Alabamians, from 78,802 in November 2024 to 65,078.
Workforce Secretary Greg Reed said the latest figures highlight sustained momentum heading into the new year.
“It’s always a good day when we are able to announce that we’ve set three new records in Alabama,” Reed said. “We continue to see improvement in our labor force, including how many people are working and how many jobs our economy is supporting. We are all working together to ensure that Alabama is positioned in its best light for the upcoming new year.”
Beyond the unemployment rate, Alabama also recorded a new high for wage and salary employment, which increased by 12,400 jobs over the year to reach 2,223,800 total jobs statewide. Gains were led by the leisure and hospitality sector, private education and health services, and construction.
“This industry growth is remarkable and shows that our continued dedication to establishing and nurturing partnerships between government and business is paying off. Yet again, we have record high job growth across the state,” Reed said. “Wages are at a record high – Alabama’s families are realizing the fruit of our efforts, and we are committed to keeping them high.
The strong statewide performance was reflected at the local level. Shelby and Elmore counties recorded unemployment rates of 2.1%, while St. Clair, Morgan, Marshall, Madison, Limestone, Lee, and Blount counties followed closely at 2.2%. Lawrence, Chilton, Chambers, and Autauga counties reported rates of 2.3%.
Perry County posted the highest county unemployment rate at 5.9%, followed by Wilcox County at 5.8% and Monroe County at 5.7%.
Among Alabama’s major cities, Trussville and Alabaster recorded the lowest unemployment rates at 1.9%. Pelham, Madison, Hoover, and Homewood reported rates of 2.0%, followed by Vestavia Hills at 2.1%. On the higher end, Prichard reported a 5.8% unemployment rate, with Selma at 4.9% and Anniston at 4.2%.
