A Washington, D.C. publication has ranked Alabama No. 8 in its Index of State Economic Momentum for the first quarter of 2021.
State Policy Reports ranks states based on personal income growth, employment growth and population growth.
It’s a sign that Alabama is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, Gov. Kay Ivey said.
“We’ve worked very hard over the past few years to strengthen the foundations of Alabama’s economy by encouraging business growth and equipping our workers with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century workplace,” Ivey said. “I believe this ranking shows that Alabama is on the right path for the future.”
Idaho topped the economic momentum list, with 28 states exceeding the national average in the calculations. In the individual areas, Alabama ranked No. 13 in personal income growth, No. 7 in employment change and just below the national average in population growth.
This listing contributes to a positive outlook for the future, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“The robust level of economic development activity recorded in spite of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic gives me optimism for the future,” he said. “I’m confident that Alabama’s economy is being re-energized for growth.”