Department of Numbers

Alabama Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Alabama rose 0.1 percentage points in October 2023 to 2.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.6 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Alabama peaked in April 2020 at 13.8% and is now 11.5 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.1% in July 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Alabama unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Alabama 2.3% +0.1 -0.3

Unemployment Rate: Alabama, National

Alabama monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Alabama Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Alabama peaked in April 2020 at 302,879. There are now 250,683 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 48,590 in August 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,606. Alabama job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Alabama 52,196 +2,030 -8,247

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Alabama from 1990 to October 2023

Alabama Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Alabama
Unemployment Rate
Alabama
Unemployed
October 2023 3.9% 2.3% 52,196
September 2023 3.8% 2.2% 50,166
August 2023 3.8% 2.1% 48,590
July 2023 3.5% 2.1% 48,789
June 2023 3.6% 2.2% 50,377
May 2023 3.7% 2.2% 51,419
April 2023 3.4% 2.2% 51,448
March 2023 3.5% 2.3% 53,017
February 2023 3.6% 2.5% 56,166
January 2023 3.4% 2.6% 58,392
December 2022 3.5% 2.6% 59,986
November 2022 3.6% 2.6% 60,169