North Carolina’s Unemployment Rate Steady in July 2026
North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July 2026 remained unchanged at 3.6 percent from June’s revised rate, according to the latest data provided by the state government. This stability contrasts with the national unemployment rate, which saw a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage point to 4.1 percent. Over the past year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has dropped by 0.3 percentage points. The state reported a decrease in the number of employed individuals over the month and year, with figures declining by 21,291 and 38,951 respectively.
The number of unemployed individuals in North Carolina decreased by 3,820 over the month, bringing the total to 186,120. Over the year, this number fell by 17,752. Total Nonfarm employment, as indicated by the monthly establishment survey, saw a minor contraction of 700 jobs, resulting in a total of 5,112,000 jobs in July.
Several industries reported job growth during this period, including Professional & Business Services with an increase of 6,100 jobs, Construction with 800 new jobs, and Information with 100 jobs added. Conversely, some sectors experienced job losses, with Private Education & Health Services decreasing by 3,800, Manufacturing by 1,000, and Other Services by 900 jobs.
Since July 2025, North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm jobs have increased by 51,600, with significant growth in the Total Private sector, which added 48,400 jobs, and Government with a rise of 3,200 jobs. Industries such as Professional & Business Services, Construction, and Private Education & Health Services were among the top contributors to this growth, while Manufacturing, Information, and Trade, Transportation & Utilities saw declines.
The next update on unemployment figures is scheduled for September 2, 2026, when the county unemployment rates for July 2026 will be released.
Read More About This
