Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 83 of North Carolina’s counties in July 2024, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in 14. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.8 percent while Dare County had the lowest at 3.2 percent. Twelve of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 6.0 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.3 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.3 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2024 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from June’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point to 4.3 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.3 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 5,266 over the month to 5,073,805 and increased 9,533 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 5,155 over the month to 195,533 and increased 16,105 over the year.

The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved eight grant requests to local governments totaling $1,650,000, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 297 jobs, 56 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $234 million in public and private investment.

Natron Energy, Inc., a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, will build the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States at the Kingsboro megasite, creating more than 1,000 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $1.4 billion in Edgecombe County.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Reliance Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of printed plastic packaging, will add 32 new jobs in Moore County. The company will invest more than $7.4 million to expand its operations and increase its capacity in the Town of Aberdeen.“This announcement is yet more proof that North Carolina is the best state for business,” said Governor Cooper. “When companies like Reliance Packaging choose to expand in Moore County, it validates the strength of our manufacturing economy, workforce, and our quality of life.”

Visitor spending continued to break records for North Carolina in 2023, according to data released Tuesday by the N.C. Department of Commerce. Travel spending statewide rose 6.9 percent to $35.6 billion in 2023 to set a record in visitor spending. That growth followed a record-breaking increase of 15 percent in 2022. Direct tourism employment also increased statewide by 4.8 percent to 227,000.

Jewelers Mutual® Group, a leading insurer dedicated to protecting jewelry and jewelry businesses, will establish a new office in Wake County focused on creating data-driven solutions for its customers, creating 200 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.8 million in Raleigh.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Cosmetics & Cleaners International LLC, a leading contract manufacturer of cosmetics and personal care products, will add 24 new jobs in Guilford County. The company will invest $8.4 million to locate a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the City of High Point.

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that Attindas Hygiene Partners, a manufacturer of disposable adult incontinence, baby care products, and clinical products, will add 25 new jobs in Pitt County. The company will expand its Greenville operation with an investment of $25.2 million.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 98 of North Carolina’s counties in June 2024 and remained unchanged in two. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.0 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.5 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.3 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent.