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Unemployment drops to 3.3% for June

By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama’s unemployment rate was 3.3% in June, down from 3.4% in May and 7.7% in June 2020.

The new number represents a continued decrease from a pandemic-high of 13.2% in April 2020. Prior to business shutdowns caused by the pandemic, the state’s unemployment was in the 2% range.

June’s rate represents 73,744 unemployed persons, compared to 75,398 in May and 171,721 in June 2020. June’s unemployment rate represents a new pandemic low, according to a press release from the Governor’s office.

“As our unemployment rate continues to drop and employers continue to fill jobs, we’re proud to celebrate the fact that Alabama is open for business,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “The drastic changes we’ve seen since last year are truly remarkable and are a testament to the dedication and work ethic of Alabamians. After months of struggling through an unprecedented pandemic, I’m proud to say that nearly 90,000 more Alabamians are working today than last year!”

In total, 2,139,420 people were counted as employed last month, up 89,705 from June 2020.

According to Help Wanted Online (HWOL) data, the number of online job postings measured 88,165 in June, which is more than the number of people counted as unemployed.  Additionally, the number of initial claims filed for the week ending July 10 was 5,435, the lowest since the pandemic began. Since Alabama made the decision to end federal pandemic unemployment benefits, the number of initial unemployment claims has significantly dropped and the number of online job postings has decreased as employers fill open jobs.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 2.4%, Blount County at 2.5%, and Marshall and Cullman Counties at 2.6%.  Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 10.4%, Lowndes County at 9.8%, and Perry County at 9.0%.

Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Alabaster at 2.4%, Homewood and Vestavia Hills at 2.5%, and Hoover at 2.6%.  Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Selma at 8.9%, Prichard at 8.3%, and Anniston at 6.1%.

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