According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the October unemployment rate in Covington County was slightly lower than the previous month.
October’s October rate was 2.4 percent. This is a decrease of September’s rate which was 2.5 percent. This rate is unchanged when compared with October 2021. These figures are based upon a civilian labor force totaling 15,965, which is an increase on September’s total 15,602.
The unemployment rates in neighboring counties are: Butler County, 3.8%, higher than September’s rate at 3.6; Coffee County, 2.5%, unchanged from the previous months; Conecuh County at 3.3 percent, down slightly from September’s level of 3.5 percent; Crenshaw County at 2.5 percent from September’s 2.6%; Crenshaw County at 2.5 percent; Escambia County at 3.4 percent, an improvement from September’s 3.2 percent; and Geneva County at 2.4 percent.
The preliminary seasonally adjusted, statewide unemployment rate for October was 2.7%. This is an increase over September’s rate at 2.6 percent but below the October 2021 rate of 3.1%. The state rate for October is 61,760, compared to 70,569 in the October 2021.
Alabama has remained steady despite the difficult economic climate in the country. Governor Kay Ivey stated that at 2.7 percent, the state is now supporting more jobs then ever before in its history. “Our wages are moving in the right direction. More world-leading companies are moving here every day. Our workforce development efforts are producing new credentialed workers almost daily. As we enter the holiday season, it is evident that there are many things to be thankful for.
Wage and salary employment increased 46 600 in the past year. There were gains in the education sector (+11 700), professional and business services (+9 500) and manufacturing sector (+6,800).
In October, wage and salary employment increased by 17,100. Monthly gains were observed in the professional and commercial services sector (+3,900), government sector (+3,600), and trade, transport and utilities sector (+2,600).
According to Fitzgerald Washington, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor, “Alabama saw remarkable job growth in October, both in the month and the year.” This growth actually set an Alabama record for the number of jobs that our economy supports. Nearly 47,000 jobs are available now, compared to last year. This is very encouraging.
The October total private weekly earnings increased to $1,017.98, an all-time record.
In October, wages in the construction, trade, transport and utilities industries, and the professional and business service industry all reached new records.
Alabama counties with lowest unemployment rates include Shelby County (1.8%), Cullman County (1.9%) and Marshall County (2%)
The highest unemployment rates in the counties are Wilcox County (9.6 percent), Lowndes County (6.6%) and Perry County (6.5 percent).
The top three cities with the lowest unemployment rates include Homewood (1.6%), Vestavia Hills (1.7%) and Trussville (1.7%) and Alabaster/Madison (1.8%).
Selma is at 7.2 percent and Prichard at 6.5% respectively. Anniston Gadsden, Gadsden, and Bessemer are at 4.4 percent.
The post Covington County’s unemployment is down slightly in October was first published on The AndalusiaStar-News.
