Morgan County’s seasonably adjusted unemployment rate of 5.7 percent was down from February’s 5.8 percent. This marks 16 months of no rate increases and the lowest rates in nearly seven years.

In July 2008, it was at 7.2 percent, according to the Alabama Department of Labor in coordination with the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We continue to see decreases in Alabama’s unemployment rate, and increases in both of our employment measures, which is a testament to the strong economic development efforts we have prioritized,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “We have gone 16 months with no increase in our unemployment rate. This steady progress is further evidence that, as far as employment indicators go, Alabama has regained its pre-recession standing. My priority as Governor remains job creation, and I will continue my effort until every Alabamian who wants a job has the opportunity to have one.”

The Current Population Survey or household, employment measured 2,021,806 (seasonally adjusted). The last time CPS employment was higher was in September 2008, when CPS employment measured 2,033,383. This also marks the fourth month in a row that CPS employment has measured over two million, which has not occurred since 2008. Wage and salary employment, totaling 1,936,800 in March, increased by 6,300. March’s wage and salary employment figure is at its highest point in seven years for the same time period.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are Shelby County at 3.9 percent, Lee County at 4.7 percent, and Elmore, St. Clair and Autauga Counties at 4.9 percent.