(WDNews) — Alabama’s unemployment rate for November 2024 went up to 3.1%, according to the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL). This is a little higher than October’s 2.9% and November 2023’s 2.8%. The number of unemployed people in the state is now 73,278, compared to 69,257 in October.
Even though unemployment rose, more people are working. The number of employed Alabamians increased by 17,150 over the past year, reaching 2,278,876. The state’s labor force—a count of people working or looking for work—also hit a record high of 2,352,154.
Jobs are growing in several industries, including education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government. Alabama employers added 37,300 jobs over the past year, bringing the total to 2,232,000—a new record.
“We’re seeing amazing job growth,” said Marty Redden, Alabama Department of Labor Secretary. “We’re getting closer to reaching 2.25 million wage and salary jobs, which is incredible progress.”
Wages are also rising. Average private weekly wages went up by $42.38 over the year, reaching $1,065.50, another record high.
In Houston County, the unemployment rate for November 2024 was 3.3%, lower than the long-term average of 5.18%. Shelby County had the state’s lowest rate at 2.6%, while Wilcox County had the highest at 9.3%.
“It’s great to see more people working and earning higher wages, especially during the holidays,” Redden added.
Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates include Homewood (2.3%) and Hoover (2.4%). Selma had the highest rate among cities at 7.4%.
This report shows that while unemployment has ticked up slightly, Alabama is setting records in jobs and wages.
