Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 99 counties in December 2025 and increased in one. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.4 percent while Stanly County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.8 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 97 | 3 | 0 |
| November (Revised) | 84 | 16 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 65 counties, decreased in 24, and remained unchanged in 11. Thirteen metro areas experienced rate increases over the year and two decreased.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in December by 36,570 to 5,108,591, while those unemployed decreased by 39,163 to 181,301. Since December 2024, the number of workers employed statewide increased 41,381, while those unemployed increased 3,101.
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.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.