Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Alabama’s March unemployment rate sat at 2.9%, which tied the state’s all-time low.
The newly released statistics show a drop from February’s rate of 3.0% and March 2021’s rate of 3.7%.
In a statement touting the state’s updated unemployment figures, Ivey asserted that the numbers show that Alabamians are “eager” for work.
“Alabama has been on a roll as our folks have been eager to get to work, and the fact that we have once again hit our record low unemployment rate is proof positive of that,” stated Ivey in a release. “We are not relenting our efforts, and I am confident Alabama will continue powering in the right direction because of our hardworking men and women. Truly, the best is yet to come.”
According to the governor’s office, March’s rate represents 65,485 unemployed individuals. The number represents the lowest recorded in state history. March’s number of unemployed individuals is down from 8,663 in February and 82,443 in March 2021.
Joining Ivey in celebrating the historic lows was Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) secretary Fitzgerald Washington, who advised that the state’s economic trends were “getting back to normal.”
“At no point in Alabama’s history have we recorded fewer people as unemployed,” noted Washington. “Alabamians are working, businesses are hiring, and we are getting back to normal with every passing month.”
The civilian labor force increased by 9,901 over the month to 2,270,463. The number of people counted as employed rose by 36,734 over the year to 2,204,978.
“We are continuing to see healthy job growth, with more than 40,000 jobs gained since last year,” continued Washington. “Wages in several sectors saw growth again this month, and two sectors reached an even higher record since last month.”
Wage and salary employment increased in March by 3,800. The gains were led by the government, construction, and leisure and hospitality sectors.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are as follows:
- Shelby County: 1.7%
- Cullman County: 1.8%
- Morgan County: 1.9%
- Marshall County: 1.9%
- Limestone County: 1.9%
Counties with the highest unemployment rates are as follows:
- Wilcox County: 8.8%
- Lowndes County: 6.5%
- Perry County: 6.3%
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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