Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 95 of North Carolina’s counties in May 2024, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.0 percent while Buncombe and Currituck Counties each had the lowest at 2.8 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The 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% |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 95 | 5 | 0 |
| April (revised) | 97 | 3 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 71 counties, decreased in 17, and remained unchanged in 12. Eleven metro areas experienced rate increases over the year, one decreased, and three remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in May by 17,523 to 5,100,685, while those unemployed increased by 12,332 to 185,896. Since May 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 42,648, while those unemployed increased 8,953.
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, July 19, 2024 when the statewide unemployment rate for June 2024 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.