Department of Numbers

Alabama Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Alabama fell 0.2 percentage points in April 2012 to 7.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Alabama peaked in September 2009 at 10.6% and is now 3.4 percentage points lower. You can also see Alabama unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.1% -0.1 -0.9
Alabama 7.2% -0.2 -2.0

Unemployment Rate: Alabama, National

Alabama monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2012

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Alabama Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Alabama peaked in September 2009 at 225,822. There are now 71,515 fewer people unemployed in the state. Alabama job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
Alabama 154,307 -3,187 -49,213

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Alabama from 1990 to April 2012

Alabama Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Alabama
Unemployment Rate
Alabama
Unemployed
April 2012 8.1% 7.2% 154,307
March 2012 8.2% 7.4% 157,494
February 2012 8.3% 7.5% 161,795
January 2012 8.3% 7.8% 167,588
December 2011 8.5% 8.0% 174,443
November 2011 8.7% 8.3% 180,003
October 2011 8.9% 8.5% 186,251
September 2011 9.0% 8.8% 192,667
August 2011 9.1% 9.1% 198,444
July 2011 9.1% 9.2% 202,311
June 2011 9.1% 9.3% 203,875
May 2011 9.0% 9.3% 203,806
April 2011 9.0% 9.2% 203,520