Wiregrass unemployment rate remains flat

Wiregrass unemployment remained flat during October, faring better than most of the state when looking at averages.

Unemployment was down slightly in two of six Wiregrass counties last month, and increased in three—two of them being significant increases—and was unchanged in a sixth county.

Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker said the state had the third highest jump nationally year-over-year during the October period, seeing a 5.2 percent increase in its unemployment rate. Michigan had the highest increase at 6 percent.

“I believe that our diverse economy is helping us remain well under the state and national unemployment rates,” Parker said. “Additionally, construction activity due to road work and major investments related to Country Crossing and some new developments coming on board have contributed to our economic indicators from an employment standpoint.”

The local figures, compared to the September numbers, are:

— Barbour County 14.9 percent, up from 13.6

— Coffee County 8.3 percent, down from 8.4

— Dale County 9.2 percent, unchanged

— Geneva County 9.8 percent, down from 9.9.

— Henry County 10.9 percent, up from 9.7

— Houston County 8.9 percent, up from 8.8

Unemployment in three counties – Coffee, Houston and Dale – are among the top 10 lowest rates in the state. Coffee County has the third lowest rate in the state after Shelby (7.4) and Madison (7.5).

A year ago, unemployment in the six-county area ranged from 4.7 percent in Coffee County to a high of 7.9 percent in Barbour County. The current rates represent 10,715 unemployed persons compared to 6,120 a year ago.

In looking at the state’s 11 metropolitan areas, Dothan’s rate is 9.3 percent, the same as Tuscaloosa’s, and higher than Huntsville (7.9) and Auburn-Opelika (8.8). The Dothan metro area includes portions of Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.

The state’s unemployment rate for October was 10.7, up slightly from 10.6 percent in September. A year ago, unemployment statewide averaged 5.6 percent. The national rate is 9.5 percent, unchanged from the previous month and up from 6.1 percent a year ago.

The highest unemployment rates in Alabama are in Wilcox (25.1) and Dallas (21.9) counties west of Montgomery.

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If you are seeking information about unemployment benefits or are looking for a job, find helpful resources at the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Web site, http://dir.alabama.gov/