Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’scounties in September, reports the N.C. Department of Commerce. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent.
All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.7 percent.
The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent. Unemployment rates for southeastern North Carolina county’s were: Bladen 4.5, Brunswick 4.5, Columbus 4.6, Duplin 3.7, Pender 3.4, Robeson 5.0 and Sampson 3.5.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 63 counties, decreased in 23, and remained the same in 14. Six of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases over the year, seven decreased, and two remained the same.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in September by 56,211 to 4,942,117, while those unemployed decreased by 42,527 to 178,221. Since September 2018,the number of workers employed statewide increased 148,574, while those unemployed increased 6,190.
The state agency notes that 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 Tuesday, November 19 when the state unemployment rate for October will be released.
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