August labor force participation still at 57.5%, though jobs count increases

The labor force participation rate in Alabama still remains at 57.5%, though the jobs count has increased, said a report released by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) on Friday. 

The percentage of prime age (25-54 years old) workers increased by by one-tenth of a percentage point to 79.4% during the month.

“Prime age workers are continuing to do their part here in Alabama,” said ADOL Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “Each month, we move closer and closer to 80 percent of this population either working or looking for work. This is also reflected in our civilian labor force population increasing to a new record high, along with the number of people who are employed.”

The preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8%, which is unchanged from the previous month and represents 66,591 unemployed persons.

The number of people counted as employed increased by 43,200 over the year to 2,208,000. Gains were seen in the private education and health services sector at more than 12,800, the manufacturing sector at more than 8,500, and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector at more than 6,900. 

“Employers added over 43,000 more jobs in the past year,” said Washington. “This is great news for our economy and we’re seeing growth in multiple sectors.”

Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox County at 8.9%, Perry County at 6.9%, and Dallas County at 6.4%.

Selma remains among the highest in unemployment at 7.2%.