RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 95 counties in February, increased in four, and remained unchanged in one, according to figures released Friday by the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Bladen County’s unemployment rate was 5 percent with 11,366 people employed and 592 unemployed, according to the figures. Other area county unemployment rates were: Brunswick 4.5 percent, Columbus 4.4 percent, Cumberland 4.7 percent, Pender 3.4 percent, Robeson 4.9 percent, and Sampson 4 percent.
Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.6 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 5.5 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in February by 2,690 to 5,075,410, while those unemployed decreased by 14,166 to 195,636.
Since February 2024, the number of workers employed statewide increased 15,202, while those unemployed decreased 3,891. When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 71 counties, increased in 21, and remained unchanged in eight. Twelve metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year, one increased, and two remained unchanged.
The Commerce Department notes 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 Thursday, April 17 when the statewide unemployment rate for March will be released.
Author: Sonny Jones
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