igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in November and decreased in one. Tyrrell County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.5 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent. The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.5 percent.
| Counties With Rates 5% or Below |
Counties With Rates Between 5% and 10% |
Counties With Rates 10% or Above |
|
| November | 67 | 33 | 0 |
| October (Revised) | 78 | 22 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 counties and remained unchanged in one. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in November by 29,500 to 4,722,457, while those unemployed increased 18,290 to 222,035. Since November 2016, the number of workers employed statewide increased 42,896, while those unemployed decreased 19,410.
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, January 23, 2018 when the state unemployment rate for December 2017 will be released.
This information may be accessed on the Commerce website at nccommerce.com/lead