RALEIGH —Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in February. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 13.3 percent, while Buncombe and Orange Counties each had the lowest at 2.9 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 4.9 percent and Asheville and Durham-Chapel Hill each had the lowest rate at 3.1 percent. The February not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent. Southeastern counties and their rates: Bladen 4.8, Brunswick 5.2, Columbus 4.9, Cumberland 4.9, Duplin 3.8, New Hanover 3.4, Pender 3.7, Robeson 5.1.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 96 counties, increased in three, and remained unchanged in one. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in February by 55,157 to 4,933,849, while those unemployed decreased by 17,601 to 189,127. Since February 2019, the number of workers employed statewide increased 85,929, while those unemployed decreased 22,619.
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, April 17, 2020 when the state unemployment rate for March 2020 will be released.
About Author
