Staff report
RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 44 of North Carolina’s counties in March 2024, increased in 22, and remained unchanged in 34.
Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.6 percent while Greene County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. Six of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, four decreased, and five remained unchanged.
Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.0 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent. When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 72 counties, decreased in 11, and remained unchanged in 17.
Fourteen metro areas experienced rate increases over the year and one decreased. Southeastern N.C. counties March unemployment: Bladen 4.3, Brunswick 4.3, Columbus 4.4, Cumberland 4.9, Duplin 3.6, New Hanover 3.3, Pender 3.3, Robeson 5.1 and Sampson 3.7.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in March by 45,082 to 5,094,400, while those unemployed increased by 1,588 to 195,758. Since March 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 46,893, while those unemployed increased 15,025.
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, May 17, 2024, when the statewide unemployment rate for April 2024 will be released.
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