Franklin County’s unemployment rate dipped below the state average of 7.2 percent in April, dropping to 7 percent, marking a significant decline from March’s reported total of 7.7 percent.
The 7 percent figure represents 920 county residents who filed jobless claims. That is more than 100 people fewer than those who filed in March. It is almost 300 less people than who filed during the same time period a year ago.
“Alabama hasn’t seen an unemployment rate this low since the start of the recession,” Governor Robert Bentley said Friday.
“I think we are getting to a point where we are seeing many areas of the economy improving. For example, the automotive base in Alabama is increasingly strong. Just yesterday, we announced Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama would be expanding its production facility in Huntsville. We have also seen many other exciting developments across the state that are leading to new jobs for Alabamians. We will continue our job creation efforts with the goal that anyone who wants a job is able to find one.”
Wage and salary employment increased by 8,500 jobs over the month, with gains occurring in the leisure and hospitality industry, the professional and business services industry, and the trade, transportation, and utilities industry, among others.
The last time Alabama’s unemployment rate was at or below 7.2 percent was in November of 2008.
In northwest Alabama, the unemployment rates are as follows: Lauderdale County at 5.8 percent, Colbert County at 6.7 percent, Lawrence County at 7.5 percent, Marion County at 7.7 percent and Winston County at 8.7 percent.