The state’s unemployment rate, including Calhoun County’s, rose significantly in January while the national average experienced a drop.
According to statistics from the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Calhoun County's unemployment rate increased from 10.6 percent in December to 11.7 percent in January while the state’s average increased from 10.9 percent to 11.1 percent.
In contrast, the national unemployment rate decreased from 10 percent in December to 9.7 percent in January.
In January 2009, the county’s unemployment rate was at 8.3 percent, while the state average was at 8.1 percent and the national average was 7.7 percent.
Of Alabama’s 67 counties, Calhoun had the 41st highest unemployment rate in January.
The counties with the lowest unemployment rates were Madison at 8.7 percent, Shelby at 8.8 percent and Coffee at 9 percent. The counties with the highest rates were Wilcox with 27.4 percent, Monroe with 22.4 percent and Conecuh with 21.8 percent.
Statewide, job losses occurred in the trade, transportation and utilities sector, as well as professional and business services, government, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing and construction. The only monthly gain was in the educational and health services sector.
