According to the state’s latest figures, Franklin County was tied for sixth in the state for the lowest unemployment rate in September.

Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced recently that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate is 3.1 percent, unchanged from August but well below September 2020’s rate of 6.7 percent.  

September’s rate represents 68,544 unemployed persons, compared to 69,014 in August and 147,334 in September 2020. This represents an over-the-year decrease of 78,790.

“Our unemployment numbers continued to hold steady this month, even while our state and nation grapple with an ever-changing labor environment,” said Washington. “Alabama is working hard to ensure that all Alabamians who want a job have access to one.”

Washington also said the state is doing all it can to “help our employers find great employees and help their businesses thrive.”

“Nearly 74,000 more people are working now than last year,” Washington said. “Nearly 79,000 fewer people are counted as unemployed. We have made remarkable progress as we continue our economic recovery.”