RALEIGH —Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 32 of North Carolina’s counties in February, increased in 30, and remained unchanged in 38. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 15.3 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.4 percent. Three of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, two experienced decreases, and 10 remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 8.1 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.7 percent. The February not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.7 percent.
Counties With Rates Counties With Rates Counties With Rates 5% or Below Between 5% and 10% 10% or Above February 10 84 6 January (Revised) 12 82 6
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 57 counties, decreased in 26, and remained unchanged in 17. Eleven metro areas experienced rate increases over the year while two decreased and two remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in February by 49,124 to 4,541,913 while those unemployed increased 3,612 to 276,814. Since February 2015, the number of workers employed statewide increased 93,502, while those unemployed decreased 1,359.
Southeastern North Carolina counties and their rates were: Bladen 8, Columbus 7.6, Robeson 8.2, Brunswick 7.8 and Sampson 6.3.
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 15, 2016 when the state unemployment rate for March 2016 will be released.
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