The unemployment rate in North Carolina for March 2026 was reported at 3.7 percent, reflecting a slight decrease from February’s revised rate. This brings the state’s unemployment rate below the national average, which also saw a drop to 4.3 percent. Over the past year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has decreased by 0.1 percentage point. The number of employed individuals in the state fell slightly over the month but showed an increase over the year.
Data from the monthly establishment survey shows a rise in seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, with an increase of 9,400 jobs, bringing the total to 5,078,400 in March. Significant job growth was observed in sectors such as Trade, Transportation & Utilities, Manufacturing, and Leisure & Hospitality Services. Conversely, slight declines were noted in sectors including Government and Information. Over the year since March 2025, Total Nonfarm jobs have increased by 44,500, with notable gains in Private Education & Health Services and Construction.
The report also highlights an overall reduction in the number of unemployed individuals, which decreased by 3,946 over the month and by 4,109 over the year. The next update on unemployment figures, specifically county unemployment rates for March 2026, is expected to be released on May 19, 2026.
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