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LABOR FORCE

In 2008 the unemployment rate in the region was 4.4%, while the State of Alabama was 5.4% and the United States 6.1%. The highest job losses have been within the manufacturing and retail industries while the highest gains have been in professional and business services, hospitality, education, government, and the health sectors.

Year
Labor Force
Total Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
2008*
527,426
504,449
22,977
4.36
2007
528,507
511,858
16,649
3.15
2006
524,584
507,540
17,044
3.25
2005
514,572
496,393
18,179
3.53
2004
514,205
491,557
22,648
4.40
2003
513,845
489,866
23,979
4.67
2002
516,430
493,001
23,429
4.54
2001
522,864
503,000
19,864
3.80
2000
524,367
506,477
17,890
3.41
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (Not Seanonably Adjusted)
Above statistics includes data for Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, & Walker Counties.
* preliminary data