Alabama unemployment holds steady at record low 2.2%

Alabama’s unemployment rate for May remained at a record low of 2.2%, the same as April’s rate, and significantly lower than the 2.5% reported in May 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday.

The 2.2% unemployment rate signifies 51,445 unemployed individuals in the state, slightly down from 51,448 in April and significantly lower than the 57,866 reported in May last year.

Ivey attributed the state’s economic success to its skilled workforce, effective economic incentives, and reduction in red tape.

“I’m proud to announce that not only has our state’s unemployment rate remained strong and steady but is accompanied by a total jobs count that has once again reached a record high. Despite facing a challenging national economy, Alabama has pressed onward to deliver strong and stable economic results,” she said.

“With a highly skilled workforce, economic incentives curated for success and red tape being cut where necessary, Alabama remains as the Southeast’s hub for economic growth and opportunity for all.”

The civilian labor force has also seen an increase, with 7,713 more individuals counted compared to last year. Alabama also recorded an all-time high in employment numbers, with 2,247,581 people employed, which is 14,134 more than last year.

“Since last year, our employers have added more than 40,000 jobs, creating an excellent economic climate for Alabama,” Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington said. “More and more people are working, and people are joining the labor force in record numbers, which indicates confidence in the economy.”

Wage and salary employment witnessed an annual increase of 40,500. Major sectors that contributed to this growth include private education and health (8,600 jobs), government (6,600 jobs), and professional and business services (6,300 jobs).

In May alone, wage and salary employment increased by 2,100, with gains in other services (1,100 jobs), leisure and hospitality (900 jobs), and the government sector (500 jobs).

The unemployment rate varied across counties. Shelby County recorded the lowest rate at 1.6%, followed by Morgan and Cullman counties at 1.7%. On the higher end, Wilcox County experienced an unemployment rate of 6.8%, the highest in the state.

Among major cities, Vestavia Hills boasted the lowest unemployment rate at 1.4%. In contrast, Selma registered the highest rate at 5.5%.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270