The unemployment rate in North Carolina for December 2025 remained steady at 3.9%, unchanged from the previous month, according to the latest data released by the state’s government. This rate is in contrast to the national unemployment rate, which saw a slight decrease from November, reaching 4.4%. Over the past year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has seen a minor increase of 0.2 percentage points. The number of employed individuals in the state rose by 9,802 in December, totaling 5,104,078, while the number of unemployed increased by 683, reaching 204,751.
In December, North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm employment increased by 3,300, bringing the total to 5,125,000 jobs. The Leisure & Hospitality Services sector saw a notable increase of 2,900 jobs, while Financial Activities and Private Education & Health Services added 1,900 and 1,700 jobs, respectively. Other sectors such as Construction, Government, and Professional & Business Services also experienced job growth. However, sectors like Trade, Transportation & Utilities and Manufacturing faced declines, losing 5,900 and 800 jobs, respectively. Information sector employment remained stable.
Throughout the year since December 2024, Total Nonfarm jobs in North Carolina grew by 80,700, with significant contributions from the Private Education & Health Services, Professional & Business Services, and Construction sectors. These sectors contributed 19,400, 18,200, and 14,400 jobs, respectively. The Leisure & Hospitality Services and Financial Activities sectors also reported substantial gains. Conversely, the Manufacturing sector experienced a notable decrease, shedding 7,200 jobs during the same period. The Information sector saw a smaller decline of 700 jobs.
The report indicates that the next update on unemployment rates at the county level for December 2025 will be released on February 4, 2026.
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