Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 56 of North Carolina’s counties in December, increased in 20, and remained unchanged in 24.  Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  Eleven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and four remained unchanged.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.3 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent.  The December not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent. 

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, increasing 0.2 of a percentage point from November’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent. North Carolina’s December 2017 unemployment rate decreased 0.7 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed decreased 12,081 over the month to 4,727,107 and increased 63,522 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 8,755 over the month to 222,116 and decreased 34,736 over the year. 

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in November and decreased in one.  Tyrrell County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.5 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent.  The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.5 percent. 

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, increasing 0.2 of a percentage point from October’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent. North Carolina’s November 2017 unemployment rate decreased 0.9 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed decreased 3,262 over the month to 4,739,461 and increased 81,649 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 9,654 over the month to 213,437 and decreased 41,228 over the year.

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 of North Carolina’s counties in October and remained unchanged in seven.  Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.1 percent.  All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.0 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.3 percent.  The October not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent. 

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, remaining unchanged from September’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent. North Carolina’s October 2017 unemployment rate decreased 1.0 percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 11,504 over the month to 4,742,359 and increased 91,964 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 3,668 over the month to 203,890 and decreased 47,385 over the year. 

New data tools and greater focus on employer engagement highlighted at NCWorks Commission meeting; Four new Career Pathways certified to help connect people with skills for high-demand jobs

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland has appointed Lockhart Taylor the department’s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security. Taylor has served as Interim Assistant Secretary since Sept. 1, 2017. Taylor will guide the department’s administration of unemployment insurance for the state. The Division administers the state's unemployment insurance program, helping people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Communities In Schools program will assist at-risk students with graduating and preparing for a career

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in September and remained unchanged in one.  Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.9 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.1 percent.  All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.3 percent.  The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.0 percent.