Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 counties in March 2026. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.5 percent while Stanly and Currituck Counties each had the lowest at 2.8 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 95 | 5 | 0 |
| February (revised) | 90 | 9 | 1 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 93 counties, increased in five, and remained unchanged in two. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in March by 31,114 to 5,108,174, while those unemployed decreased by 17,410 to 185,549. Since March 2025, the number of workers employed statewide increased 10,610, while those unemployed decreased 16,597.
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 22, 2026 when the statewide unemployment rate for April 2026 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is now available via a live online dashboard. The PDF attached to this release does contain additional charts and tables for today's data. Contact Commerce Communications for further information .