RALEIGH —Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in March. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 13.3 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.2 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.6 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.4 percent. The March not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.4 percent.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 84 counties, increased in 10, and remained unchanged in six. Twelve metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year while one increased and two remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in March by 72,136 to 4,613,997 while those unemployed decreased 14,105 to 262,210. Since March 2015, the number of workers employed statewide increased 141,151, while those unemployed decreased 4,447.
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. Bladen’s rate for March 2016 was 7.1. March of 2015 found Bladen’s rate at 7.7. Other southeastern rates were: Columbus 6.7, Brunswick 6.8, Duplin 5.7, New Hanover 5.1, Onslow 5.9, Pender 5.7, Robeson 7.7 and Sampson 5.5.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2016 when the state unemployment rate for April 2016 will be released.
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