Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 39 counties, decreased in 16, and remained unchanged in 45 in June 2026. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and eight remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent. 

Governor Josh Stein announced Skyeton, Inc., a manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will create 162 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest more than $3.1 million in Fayetteville to establish its first flagship manufacturing operation in the United States.

Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated that 7 projects supporting economic resilience after Hurricane Helene will receive $34.2 million in grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grants will help expand economic opportunity and support long-term recovery across the region.

Leaders from the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations applaud recent public investments to improve child care and early education access, affordability, and quality across North Carolina.

The state’s seasonally adjusted June 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from May’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 12,684 over the month to 5,073,245 and decreased 14,850 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 4,567 over the month to 189,968 and decreased 12,879 over the year.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (NYSE: AEO), a leading specialty apparel retailer, will invest $41 million in Salisbury for a new distribution hub for the southeastern United States. The company says it will create more than 200 new jobs in Rowan County.

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley are welcoming race fans to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway (NWS) ahead of the Window World 450 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend from July 16 to 19.

Today Governor Josh Stein joined NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai and leadership at Broughton Hospital in Morganton to announce the STEP-NC: Health Care Program, the first health care apprenticeship program within state government. In partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the initiative begins with pilot programs at Broughton Hospital and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.

Today Governor Josh Stein handed Velma Chapman, an Asheville homeowner, the keys to her brand-new home – a homecoming that was made possible through Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program. After losing her home of 28 years to Hurricane Helene, Chapman now has a safe place to call home.

Today Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein joined the Center for Craft and e-commerce platform Etsy to celebrate the launch of the Craft Catalyst Initiative, a new partnership that over the next three years will invest $10 million in creative economies across the country, including Asheville. As one of five Craft Hubs chosen by Etsy, Asheville will see local artists, small businesses, makers, and more receive support to continue growing the vibrant culture and economy that make western North Carolina strong.