IGH —Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 90 of North Carolina’s counties in July, increased in two, and remained unchanged in eight. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.0 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.8 percent. Twelve of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and three remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.3 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.0 percent. The July not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.0 percent.
| Counties With Rates 5% or Below |
Counties With Rates Between 5% and 10% |
Counties With Rates 10% or Above |
|
| July | 48 | 52 | 0 |
| June (Revised) | 36 | 64 | 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 July by 6,056 to 4,616,358 while those unemployed decreased 7,785 to 241,175. Since July 2015, the number of workers employed statewide increased 103,448, while those unemployed decreased 60,423.
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 20, 2016 when the state unemployment rate for August 2016 will be released.
This information may be accessed on the Commerce website at nccommerce.com/lead