Alabama sets record low 2.6% unemployment rate in June labor report

Alabama reached yet another record low unemployment rate in the month of June, according to newly released labor statistics announced Friday by Gov. Kay Ivey.

June’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted 2.6% unemployment rate is down from May’s rate of 2.7% and nearly a full percentage point below June 2021’s rate of 3.5%.

The state of Alabama has now recorded a record low unemployment rate for three consecutive months. According to the governor’s office, 60,338 Alabamians are unemployed, which is also a record low.

In a statement celebrating Alabama’s new unemployment statistics, Ivey proclaimed that the Yellowhammer State “continues to look brighter.”

“The good news continues to roll in as we reach another unemployment milestone of 2.6%,” said Ivey in a release. “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.”

Updated figures show that 2,228,231 Alabamians are counted as employed, which also represents a new record high. The number rose 5,306 from May and 59,902 from June 2021.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector led wage and salary employment gains over the year, followed by the construction and manufacturing sectors. The total count of wage and salary employment is 2,085,200, the fourth highest on record.

The state’s monthly wage and salary employment gains were led by the education and health services sector, leisure and hospitality sector, and manufacturing sector.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are as follows:

  • Shelby County: 2.3%
  • Marshall County: 2.6%
  • Cullman County: 2.7%

Counties with the highest unemployment rates are as follows:

  • Wilcox County: 10.1%
  • Perry County: 8.3%
  • Lowndes County: 7.5%

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL