RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 89 of North Carolina’s counties in April, increased in six counties, and remained unchanged in five counties.
Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 12.8 percent while Orange and Buncombe Counties both had the lowest at 3.9 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases while one increased and one remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.9 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.1 percent. The April not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.2 percent.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 95 counties, increased in one, and remained unchanged in four. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in April by 43,054 to 4,492,858, while those unemployed decreased 8,095 to 247,392. Since April 2014, the number of workers employed statewide increased 113,452, while those unemployed decreased 24,382.
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, June 19, 2015 when the state unemployment rate for May 2015 will be released.
Bladen’s rate for April was 7.2 percent. Other southeastern counties and their rates were: Brunswick 6.2, Columbus 6.7, Cumberland 6.6, Duplin 5.4, Hoke 7.5, New Hanover 4.7, Onslow 5.2, Pender 5.5, Robeson 8.0, Sampson 5.5.
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