Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 84 of North Carolina’s counties in July, increased in four, and remained unchanged in 12. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.8 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.1 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one increased, and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.1 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.3 percent. The July not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent.
Counties With Rates Counties With Rates Counties With Rates 5% or Below Between 5% and 10% 10% or Above July 78 22 0 June (Revised) 76 24 0
Bladen County July unemployment was at 5.4. Other southeastern counties were: Brunswick 4.9, Columbus 5.2, Duplin 4.4, Onslow 4.6, Pender 4.1, Robeson 6.2, Sampson 4.2.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 counties and remained unchanged in one. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in July by 17,530 to 4,846,645, while those unemployed decreased 6,112 to 206,069. Since July 2017, the number of workers employed statewide increased 96,519, while those unemployed decreased 31,893.
It is important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns; therefore, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2018 when the state unemployment rate for August 2018 will be released.
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