Birmingham-Hoover unemployment lowest for large metro areas

The Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation for metro areas with populations of one million or more in May, Gov. Kay Ivey announced, citing numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Birmingham-Hoover metro had a 2% unemployment rate. It was the third straight month for the metro area to rank lowest in the nation. Boston, Baltimore, Miami, and Salt Lake City also ranked in the top five.

Three smaller metro areas in Alabama had lower rates and ranked in the top 10 nationally for all metro areas in May. They were Decatur (1.7%); Huntsville (1.8%); and Daphne-Fairhope-Foley (1.9%). Auburn-Opelika (2%) was just outside the top 10.

“It is no surprise that Alabama continues to experience unemployment rates below much of the rest of the nation,” Ivey said in a press release. “Our laser focus on growing Alabama’s economy, combined with our world-class employers and a dedicated workforce, is making a positive difference. Our pursuit of investments of future industries will create even more high-paying jobs.”