Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 61 of North Carolina’s counties in March 2023, increased in 12, and remained unchanged in 27. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. Eight of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, two increased, and five remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.2 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The March 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% |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 91 | 9 | 0 |
| February (revised) | 90 | 9 | 1 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 49 counties, decreased in 30, and remained unchanged in 21. Eleven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases over the year and four remained unchanged
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in March by 63,142 to 5,042,647, while those unemployed increased by 41 to 185,569. Since March 2022, the number of workers employed statewide increased 47,119, while those unemployed increased 7,055.
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 Friday, May 19, 2023 when the statewide unemployment rate for April 2023 will be released.
###
Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is now available via a live online dashboard. The PDF version of this supplemetal data has been discontinued, although the PDF attached to this release does contain additional charts and tables for today's data. Contact Commerce Communications for further information on these changes.