Jobless rate drops by 1 percent

In March 2016, Franklin County’s unemployment rate was pegged at 5.4 percent. For April, the Alabama Department of Labor has notched that figure 1 percent lower – at 4.4 percent.

According to figures released by the state in May, Franklin County’s unemployment rate decrease for April eclipsed the state rate of 5.4 percent – which, coincidentally, was the county’s unemployment rate one year ago in April 2016.

“50,000 more Alabamians are working now compared to last year. This represents thousands of Alabama families that now have more opportunity than before,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I am proud they have opportunities to put their skills into action. We haven’t seen an unemployment rate this low in nearly nine years.

“I took office in April, and these numbers from that month confirm that our message ‘Alabama is open for business’ is being heard loud and clear.”

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are Shelby County at 3.3 percent, Elmore County at 3.6 percent and Cullman County at 3.7 percent. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are Wilcox County at 11.7 percent, Clarke County at 8.5 percent and Lowndes County at 8.1 percent.