Rising Unemployment Rates Affect All North Carolina Counties in July 2026
In July 2026, unemployment rates, which were not seasonally adjusted, increased across all 100 counties in North Carolina. The highest unemployment rates were recorded in Edgecombe and Halifax Counties, both at 5.5 percent, while Currituck County reported the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. All 15 metro areas in the state saw an increase in unemployment rates, with Rocky Mount experiencing the highest rate at 4.9 percent and Raleigh the lowest at 3.2 percent. The statewide unemployment rate, also not seasonally adjusted, stood at 3.7 percent.
Data comparisons with the previous month of June indicate that 94 counties had unemployment rates at or below 5 percent, while six counties had rates between 5 and 10 percent. None of the counties reported rates above 10 percent. In comparison to July 2025, the unemployment rates decreased in 90 counties, increased in four, and remained unchanged in six. Additionally, 14 metro areas saw a decrease in unemployment rates over the year, with one area remaining unchanged.
The number of employed workers statewide decreased by 44,910 to 5,007,249 in July, while the unemployed population increased by 9,044 to reach a total of 193,903. Over the year, since July 2025, the number of employed workers declined by 110,239, and those unemployed saw a decrease of 24,413. It is noted that employment estimates are subject to significant seasonal variations, thus emphasizing the importance of considering over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted data.
The next update regarding unemployment rates is scheduled for release on Friday, September 18, 2026, which will provide the statewide unemployment rate for August 2026. Editors and interested parties can access supplemental data through a live online dashboard provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Read More About This
