Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 57 counties, increased in eight, and remained unchanged in 35 in April 2026. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.7 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Eight of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one experienced a rate increase, and six remained the same. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.6 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% |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 98 | 2 | 0 |
| March (revised) | 95 | 5 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 38 counties, increased in 44, and remained unchanged in 18. Three metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year, eight experienced an increase, and four remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in April by 26,598 to 5,081,937, while those unemployed decreased by 4,827 to 180,636. Since April 2025, the number of workers employed statewide decreased 34,578, while those unemployed decreased 2,905.
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 Tuesday, June 23, 2026, when the statewide unemployment rate for May 2026 will be released.