Unemployment rates in North Carolina saw varied changes across the state in August 2024, with increases in 49 counties and decreases in 29 others, while 22 counties remained unchanged. Scotland County reported the highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent, whereas Dare County recorded the lowest at 3.3 percent. The state’s metropolitan areas showed mixed results as well, with six experiencing rate increases, five decreases, and four remaining stable. Notably, Rocky Mount had the highest unemployment rate among metro areas at 6.0 percent, and Asheville had the lowest at 3.5 percent. The overall not seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate was reported at 4.3 percent.
In terms of county distribution, 79 counties had unemployment rates at or below 5 percent, 21 counties had rates between 5 and 10 percent, and none had rates above 10 percent. When compared to the previous month, there was a slight shift, with one fewer county in the 5 percent or below category and one more county in the 5 to 10 percent range. Over the past year, all 100 counties and all fifteen metro areas in North Carolina have experienced increases in their unemployment rates.
The report also highlighted changes in employment numbers, with a decrease of 46,616 employed workers in August, bringing the total to 5,028,047. The number of unemployed workers also saw a slight reduction of 1,252, totaling 224,129. However, when looking at the figures from August 2023, there has been a decrease of 22,985 employed workers and an increase of 28,566 unemployed individuals. The press release emphasizes that these figures are not seasonally adjusted and advises focusing on year-over-year changes to account for seasonal employment patterns.
The next update on unemployment rates is scheduled for release on October 22, 2024, which will include data for September 2024. Supplemental data and further details on local unemployment rates can be accessed through a live online dashboard provided by the state.
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