Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 50 of North Carolina’s counties in February 2024, decreased in fourteen, and remained unchanged in 36. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.7 percent while Watauga County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, one decreased, and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.1 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 90 | 10 | 0 |
| January (revised) | 90 | 10 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 59 counties, increased in twenty, and remained unchanged in 21. Five metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year, two increased, and eight remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in February by 1,476 to 5,049,879, while those unemployed increased by 4,616 to 194,278. Since February 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 52,300, while those unemployed increased 597.
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, April 19, 2024 when the statewide unemployment rate for March 2024 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.