Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 39 of North Carolina’s counties in July 2023, increased in 27, and remained unchanged in 34. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.7 percent while Buncombe and Swain Counties each had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Two of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, two increased, and 11 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 not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 91 | 9 | 0 |
| June (revised) | 93 | 7 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 97 counties, increased in two, and remained unchanged in one. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in July by 23,199 to 5,099,279, while those unemployed increased by 291 to 189,200. Since July 2022, the number of workers employed statewide increased 98,709, while those unemployed decreased 14,075.
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 Tuesday, September 19, 2023 when the statewide unemployment rate for August 2023 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.