Iredell County’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.6 percent in June to 3.5 percent in July, according to the latest report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The rate is also down 0.3 percent compared to July 2024.
North Carolina’s July unemployment rate stood at 3.8 percent, down from an even 4 percent the previous month.
Statewide, unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 75 counties in July, increased in 11, and remained unchanged in 14.
Among North Carolina’s metro areas, 14 experienced decreases while one remained unchanged. Rocky Mount recorded the highest metro unemployment rate at 5.3 percent, while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.2 percent.
At the county level, Edgecombe County posted the highest rate at 5.8 percent, and Currituck County recorded the lowest at 2.7 percent.
Compared to last year, unemployment rates dropped in 89 counties, rose in seven, and remained the same in four. Over the year, the number of people employed statewide increased by 10,561, while the number unemployed decreased by 14,366.
The Commerce Department noted that monthly estimates are subject to seasonal patterns and advised focusing on year-over-year changes for a clearer picture of economic trends.
