What is the unemployment rate in Alabama right now?
Updated May. 22, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in Alabama was at 2.8% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point increase from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In April 2026,
2.8%
of the labor force was unemployed in Alabama
April 2026 had a
+0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In April 2026, the unemployment rate in Alabama was lower than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to April 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in Alabama have the highest and lowest unemployment?
Understanding unemployment rates in different regions helps address economic disparities and foster growth. In Alabama, the county with the highest unemployment rate is [county_name], with a rate of [highest_rate]%. This high unemployment rate could be attributed to various factors such as economic downturns, lack of industry presence, or other contributing elements. On the other hand, the county with the lowest unemployment rate is [county_name], with a rate of [lowest_rate]%. This lower rate may be due to robust economic conditions, strong industry presence, or other favorable factors. Comparing these rates highlights differences and trends that can impact the local economy and community. Monitoring and addressing these unemployment rates can promote economic stability and growth in Alabama. Potential actions or policies to address unemployment rates in the region could include targeted economic development initiatives, workforce training programs, and investment in industries.In Alabama, Perry County, AL had the highest unemployment rate at 6.5%. Shelby County, AL had the lowest at 2.2%. Jefferson County, AL, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 2.9%. The latest county-level data is from March 2026.
Unemployment rates in Alabama counties ranged from 2.2% to 6.5% in March 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in Alabama (March 2026)
| 1. | Perry County, AL | 6.5% |
| 2. | Monroe County, AL | 6.1% |
| 3. | Greene County, AL | 6% |
| 4. | Wilcox County, AL | 5.9% |
| 5. | Clarke County, AL | 4.8% |
| 6. | Lowndes County, AL | 4.6% |
| 7. | Hale County, AL | 4.5% |
| 8. | Conecuh County, AL | 4.4% |
| 9. | Dallas County, AL | 4.4% |
| 10. | Choctaw County, AL | 4.2% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
