Topics Related to Workforce

The state’s seasonally adjusted June 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from May’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley has appointed Kenny Flowers to serve as the new Chief Deputy Secretary for the Department of Commerce, assuming leadership of key operational areas and strategic initiatives, effective August 1, 2025.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 counties in May 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.9 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted May 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from April’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 counties in April 2025. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 4.9 percent while Currituck and Camden Counties each had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases.

The state’s seasonally adjusted April 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from March’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) grants have provided training and skill development to 823 workers across North Carolina through a partnership between the N.C. Department of Commerce and local Workforce Development Boards—surpassing the original goal of 668 participants.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 43 counties in March 2025, increased in 29, and remained unchanged in 28. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.8 percent.