Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 98 of North Carolina’s counties in June 2024 and remained unchanged in two. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.0 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.5 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.3 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 86 | 14 | 0 |
| May (revised) | 94 | 6 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 97 counties and decreased in three. All fifteen metro areas experienced rate increases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in June by 25,712 to 5,075,390, while those unemployed increased by 29,658 to 215,106. Since June 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 1,805, while those unemployed increased 26,148.
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, August 16, 2024 when the statewide unemployment rate for July 2024 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.