Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 60 of North Carolina’s counties in May, increased in eight, and remained unchanged in 32. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one increased, and seven remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.9 percent. The May not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.
| Counties With Rates 5% or Below |
Counties With Rates Between 5% and 10% |
Counties With Rates 10% or Above |
|
| May | 87 | 13 | 0 |
| April (revised) | 86 | 14 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in all 100 counties. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in May by 37,232 to 4,835,398, while those unemployed decreased 1,008 to 184,582. Since May 2017, the number of workers employed statewide increased 108,389, while those unemployed decreased 28,554.
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 20, 2018 when the state unemployment rate for June 2018 will be released.
This information may be accessed on the Commerce website at nccommerce.com/lead