Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — Unemployment rates across the Wiregrass remain in line with the state average as Alabama continues to see job growth and rising wages.
According to the Alabama Department of Workforce, the state’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.7% in March, unchanged from February and down from 3.0% one year ago. That represents 65,474 unemployed individuals statewide.
Locally, Houston County reported an unemployment rate of about 2.9%, with Coffee and Dale counties both near 2.8% to 2.9%. Henry County came in around 3.0%, Geneva County near 3.1%, and Pike County slightly higher at about 3.3%.
Statewide, the number of employed people increased by more than 11,000 over the year to 2,318,507, while the labor force grew to 2,383,981. Wage and salary employment also rose by 11,200 jobs, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, private education and health services, and professional and business services.
“Wages in Alabama continue to rise and to represent some of the highest year over year increases in the nation,” Workforce Secretary Greg Reed said. “Our commitment to business and industry means that we will continue working to lead quality, high-paying jobs to our state.”
Average weekly wages increased by $71.64 over the year, reaching a record high of $1,178.60.
Officials say the latest numbers show steady economic conditions across Alabama, with Wiregrass counties continuing to reflect the broader statewide trend.
