RALEIGH —Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 68 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 14, and remained unchanged in 18. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.9 percent. Twelve of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, one experienced a decrease, and two remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.4 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.1 percent. The August not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.0 percent.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in all 100 counties. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in August by 53,104 to 4,563,028 while those unemployed increased 1,423 to 241,620. Since August 2015, the number of workers employed statewide increased 85,318, while those unemployed decreased 41,136.
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, October 21, 2016 when the state unemployment rate for September 2016 will be released.
Bladen County’s figure was at 6.7. Other adjoining counties were: Brunswick 5.7, Columbus 6.1
Duplin 5.4, Pender 5.2, Sampson 5.6 and Robeson 7.2.
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