Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Preliminary numbers released on the State of Alabama show the rate of unemployment in Dallas County in May increased a full percentage point over April, rising from 3.5% to 4.5%, and also increase a half percentage point from May 2022. The unemployment rate ranks Dallas County second highest in the state, with Wilcox County being the highest at 6.8%.

Shelby County clocked the lowest unemployment in the state at 1.6%, with Morgan and Cullman Counties at 1.7%

The City of Selma had the highest unemployment of the major cities measured at 5.5%, which was also up one percent from April, and a half percent from May 2022. Prichard had the second highest unemployment of cities measured at 4.3%, with Vestavia [1.4%] and Trussville, Madison, Homewood, and Alabaster coming in at 1.5%

Statewide, unemployment remains at historic lows, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, the same as April, and down from 2.5% in May 2022.

“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,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Despite facing a challenging national economy, Alabama has pressed onward to deliver strong and stable economic results. 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 number of people in our civilian labor force also increased to a new record high, with 7,713 more people counted this year over last year. Additionally, the number of people who are counted as employed rose to a new record high, gaining 14,134 over the year to 2,247,581.

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

Over the year, wage and salary employment increased 40,500, with gains in the private education and health sector (+8,600), the government sector (+6,600) and the professional and business services sector (+6,300), among others.

Wage and salary employment increased in May by 2,100 over the month.  Monthly gains were seen in the other services sector (+1,100), the leisure and hospitality sector (+900) and the government sector (+500), among others.