Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and two remained unchanged. 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% |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 97 | 3 | 0 |
| April (revised) | 98 | 2 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 89 counties, increased in four, and remained unchanged in seven. All fifteen metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in May by 16,577 to 5,065,683, while those unemployed increased by 3,227 to 183,720. Since May 2025, the number of workers employed statewide decreased 35,878, while those unemployed decreased 13,930.
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, July 21, 2026, when the statewide unemployment rate for June 2026 will be released.