RALEIGH, N.C. — Unemployment rates increased in the majority of North Carolina counties in November 2024, reflecting broader state and national trends. According to data released by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) rose in 85 counties, decreased in 12, and remained unchanged in three.
In Iredell County, the unemployment rate increased from 3.1% in October to 3.3% in November, aligning with upward shifts observed across much of the state. Despite this increase, Iredell County’s rate remains below the statewide average of 3.7%.
Mitchell County reported the highest unemployment rate at 8.9%, while Orange and Currituck Counties tied for the lowest rate at 2.9%. Among North Carolina’s metropolitan areas, Asheville had the highest unemployment rate at 6.1%, and Wilmington recorded the lowest at 3.0%.
Statewide, the total number of employed workers decreased by 30,435 to 5,046,880 in November, while the number of unemployed individuals increased by 3,967, reaching 193,883. Compared to November 2023, there has been a decline in employment by 21,571 workers and an increase of 17,420 in the number of unemployed individuals.
