Unemployment rates in North Carolina saw a rise in 95 counties during August 2025, while only two counties experienced a decrease, and three remained unchanged, according to a government press release. Edgecombe and Halifax Counties recorded the highest unemployment rates at 6.1 percent, whereas Currituck County reported the lowest at 3.0 percent. The statewide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, stood at 4.0 percent. All metropolitan areas within the state witnessed an increase in unemployment rates.
In a detailed breakdown, the city of Rocky Mount had the highest unemployment rate among metro areas at 5.5 percent, with Raleigh recording the lowest at 3.5 percent. A comparative analysis with the same month in the previous year shows that unemployment rates increased in 61 counties, decreased in 13, and remained unchanged in 26. Statewide, the number of employed workers decreased by over 70,000, while the number of unemployed increased by more than 10,000 compared to the previous month. Over the year from August 2024, the number of employed decreased by 10,117, while the unemployed figures rose by 5,796.
The report emphasizes that employment estimates are influenced by significant seasonal patterns, and therefore, over-the-year changes in not seasonally adjusted estimates should be considered. Further updates on unemployment rates are expected on October 21, 2025, when the statewide unemployment rate for September 2025 will be announced.
Read More About This
